Glaucoma

Glaucoma, simply stated, is an eye disease that results from excessive pressure on the optic nerve (in the back of the eye), causing damage to the nerve and (if untreated) blindness.

Fluid (called aqueous) is always flowing into the eye in one area and flowing out through another area. For people with glaucoma, either more aqueous is being produced or less is flowing out, for a variety of underlying causes. Either way, and regardless of the underlying cause, this leads to an overall intra-ocular pressure (IOP) buildup inside the eye, damaging the nerve. Glaucoma typically destroys the peripheral (side) vision first.

Glaucoma is diagnosed by checking the IOP (tonometry), side vision (perimetry), optic nerve assessment (ophthalmoscopy), and aqueous drainage channel assessment (gonioscopy).

Most cases of glaucoma can be controlled using eye drops that lower the intraocular pressure. More serious or difficult cases may require surgery to alleviate the pressure. Frequent follow-ups are an absolute necessity to monitor the condition.