What is it?
Slow and progressive atrophy of the optic nerve associated with ocular hypertension which leads to loss of the visual field. High intraocular pressure is initially possible without damaging the fibres of the optic nerve and without alterations to the visual field. Sustained intraocular pressure causes irreversible damage to the fibres and losses in visual field tests.Symptoms
May be symptomless, visual sharpness may be very good and the visual field still altered. Early detection by your optician is vital.Risk factors
Ocular hypertension, age, family precedents, race, arteriosclerosis, myopia and hyperopia, diabetes, blood circulatory problems.Types of glaucoma
- Congenital
- Infant - child
- Chronic primary open-angle glaucoma (with ocular hypertension or normal pressure)
- Primary closed angle glaucoma
- Secondary glaucoma
Treatment
- Medical, with eye-drops
- Laser
- Surgery