What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which is the part of the eye that carries the images we see from the eye to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers (like an electric cable containing numerous wires). Glaucoma damages nerve fibers, which can cause blind spots in our vision. Typically, these blind spots initially involve the peripheral, or side, vision. This loss can occur slowly enough that symptoms are not noticed until the disease is far advanced.

In glaucoma, the peripheral vision is primarily affected.

Glaucoma Symptoms


A normal optic nerve on the left has a much smaller "cup", or empty space in the middle of the optic nerve, than in glaucoma on the right.

Forms of Glaucoma


The normal drainage of aqueous fluid inside of the eye.

In angle-closure glaucoma, the iris (the colored part of the eye) may completely close off the drainage angle, abruptly blocking the outflow of aqueous fluid and leading to increased IOP or optic nerve damage. In acute angle-closure glaucoma, there is a sudden increase in IOP due to the buildup of aqueous fluid. This condition is considered an emergency because optic nerve damage and vision loss can occur within hours of the problem. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, seeing haloes around light, and eye pain.

Angle closure glaucoma can result in a rapid increase in the IOP when the drainage of the fluid is stopped.





We may tell you that you are at risk for glaucoma if you have one or more risk factors, including elevated IOP, a family history of glaucoma, a particular ethnic background, advanced age, or certain optic nerve conditions. Regular examinations are important if you are at risk for this condition.

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