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Glaucoma FAQs

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Medical Author:

Lauri Graham

Medical Editor:

Richard W Allinson, MD

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Robert H Graham, MD

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is usually high pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve and can result in permanent vision loss. Not all 3 criteria (that is, high pressure inside the eye, optic nerve damage, and vision loss) are required to diagnose glaucoma; however, a diagnosis of glaucoma is certain when all 3 criteria are present.

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Glaucoma FAQs

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma »

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Overview

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is caused by a rapid or sudden increase in pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP).

In angle-closure glaucoma, the iris (the colored part of the eye) is pushed or pulled up against the trabecular meshwork (or drainage channels) at the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye. When the iris is pushed or pulled up against the trabecular meshwork, the fluid (called aqueous humor) that normally flows out of the eye is blocked and cannot drain out, thereby increasing the IOP. See Multimedia files 1-2.

If the angle closes suddenly, symptoms are severe and dramatic. Immediate treatment is essential to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss. If the angle closes intermittently or gradually, angle-closure glaucoma may be confused with chronic open-angle glaucoma, another type of glaucoma.

People who are farsighted...

Read the Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma article »

Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Glaucoma, Primary Congenital »

By definition, primary congenital glaucoma is present at birth; however, its manifestations may not be recognized until infancy or early childhood.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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