Glaucoma is a disease that brings on irreversible vision loss.
Usually, it is associated with gradual vision loss, however, that is more in line with the open-angle form, whereas the closed-angle version can lead to a sudden decrease in the visual field.
In the United States, about 90 percent of cases are of the open (OAG) variety.
In some other countries, though, it is not the case that OAG makes up such an overwhelming majority of the cases.
What else is different between the open and closed (CAG) forms? Changes to the optic nerve occur in OAG.
An example of this is an increased cup-to-disc ratio.
CAG involves pain, whereas its open counterpart does not.
The same could be said regarding the attacks which occur in the closed type.
Particularly high pressure in the high, nausea, and vomiting are some other closed-angle glaucoma symptoms.
Various risk factors and causes can be attributed as medical reasons behind glaucoma in a person.
Increased eye pressure is a major risk factor, although it is possible to have the condition without it.
People who come from a family with a history of glaucoma tend to develop it about 6 percent of the time.
Uveitis can lead to a secondary form of the condition which is called uveitic glaucoma.
These are just some of the possibilities.
The disease may be noticed after particular tests are administered, such as those during an eye examination.
There are both surgical and medical treatments for this disease, however, they mainly aim to avoid damage and keep the quality of the visual field, as there is currently no known cure for this condition.
Treatment may also attempt to remove or reduce glaucoma symptoms.