Glaucoma is a chronic health condition which damages one’s optic nerves and may cause vision loss. In fact, this disease is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. The term actually refers to a spectrum of conditions with a variety of symptoms. There are a number of different types of this disease which are categorized as either primary or secondary. The following are the most common types of glaucoma from our experience.
Open-Angle
By far the most prevalent form, open-angle glaucoma occurs in 90% of cases. This form of the disease affects millions of Americans and tends to develop slowly over time. Unfortunately, many don’t realize anything is wrong until the condition worsens, and the damage has been done.
The term “open-angle” refers to where the eye’s iris meets the cornea. This angle is supposed to be wide open to allow fluid to drain properly. However, this chronic condition is often caused by a gradual clogging of the eye’s drainage canals. As a result, pressure inside the eye increases, damaging the optic nerve.
Angle-Closure
Angle-closure may also be referred to as acute glaucoma. This is a much less common form of the disease, but one that requires immediate medical attention. This condition will generate very noticeable symptoms that are often severe and develop quite quickly.
Here, “angle-closure” means that the space between the iris and cornea has narrowed. This causes severely blocked drainage canals that lead fluid and eye pressure to rise. This sudden upsurge in pressure damages the eye and can cause pain, headaches, and nausea.
Normal Tension
Normal tension is sometimes referred to as low tension or normal pressure glaucoma. This type occurs even though the level of intraocular pressure is relatively low. The causes of this condition are unknown, and research is still ongoing to determine why such damage develops.
This is a fairly rare type of glaucoma. Known risk factors include heart disease, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, Japanese ancestry, and genetic predispositions. Fortunately, research has found that treatments which lower eye pressure in other forms of this disease also work in these cases.
Congenital Glaucoma
The final of the primary types of glaucoma is the childhood or congenital form. This condition occurs when an infant is born with an eye issue that prevents fluid from draining normally. As expected, this buildup causes higher pressure which leads to vision issues. The good news is that congenital conditions are extremely rare, occurring in roughly 1 in every 10,000 infants.
Children with congenital glaucoma tend to experience a variety of symptoms. They may be sensitive to light, make extra tears, have cloudy eyes or eyes that are larger than normal. If the condition is diagnosed and treated early, typically with surgery, permanent vision loss can be avoided.
Secondary Glaucoma
In addition to the primary kinds of glaucoma discussed above, there are also a number of secondary types. While primary types develop due to a cause that isn’t directly evident, secondary conditions occurs due to known causes. Secondary types aren’t very common, but they’re worth reviewing in detail here.
1. Exfoliation Glaucoma
One type of open-angle glaucoma occurs in patients with exfoliation syndrome. This is where extra material deposits on parts of the eye causing blockages. It tends to progress faster than primary open-angle glaucoma.
2. Neovascular
This occurs when extra blood vessels in the eye cover up the areas where fluid normally drains, causing blockages. Diabetes or high blood pressure often cause this type to develop.
3. Pigmentary
In this type of glaucoma, pigment from your iris flakes off and begins to block the fluid drain from your eye. This tends to cause blurred vision or rings around lights.
4. Uveitic Glaucoma
This can occur in those who suffer from uveitis, a condition where the eye experiences swelling and inflammation. About 20% of patients with uveitis develop glaucoma, and it’s believed to occur when scar tissue blocks drainage.
5. Other Causes
Secondary glaucoma can also result after eye injuries due to risky activities like sports and construction work. Tumors may also cause secondary glaucoma, although this is not very common.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but there are some steps you can take to help prevent it. We always recommend annual eye exams to catch any symptoms early. If you’re in a high-risk group, it’s a good idea to talk to family members about their medical history. Also, weight and blood pressure management are essential to reduce your risk, as are physical activity and smoking cessation. If you have questions or concerns about glaucoma, please reach out for more information.
