Did you know there are different types of Glaucoma?

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. The second leading cause of blindness, glaucoma, is a serious medical condition that affects more than 2.2 million Americans. The term glaucoma actually refers to a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve.  There are different types of glaucoma including:

Open angle: (Most common). In open angle glaucoma, aqueous fluid drains too slowly and pressure inside the eye builds up. It usually results from aging of the drainage channel, which doesn't work as well over time. However, younger people can also get this type of glaucoma. 

Acute (Angle Closure): Those of Asian and Native American descent are at higher risk for this form of glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage system of the eye becomes blocked. It causes a sudden rise in pressure, requiring immediate, emergency medical care. The signs are usually serious and may include blurred vision, severe headaches, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, or seeing rainbow-like halos around lights. Occasionally, the condition may be without symptoms; similar to open angle.

Secondary: Secondardy Glaucoma is the result of another eye condition or diseases such as diabetes, eye inflammation or trauma.

Congenital glaucoma: glaucoma that is present from birth or developed within the first year of life due to a number of malformations

For more information visit https://www.preventblindness.org/glaucoma