Glaucoma FAQs: Glaucoma is usually high pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve and can result in permanent vision loss. While high pressure inside the eye, damage to the optic nerve and vision loss are common criteria for diagnosing glaucoma, glaucoma can be present without all three of these criteria. The two main types of glaucoma are open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. Glaucoma may be symptomless until significant permanent vision damage has occured, but may show symptoms as well, including
- pain,
- redness,
- haloes, and
- blurred vision.
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Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is caused by a rapid or sudden increase in pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma severe eye pain, nausea and vomiting, headache, blurred vision and/or seeing haloes around lights, profuse tearing. The condition requires treatment by an ophthalmologist which may include medication, surgery, or a combination approach. -
Adult Glaucoma Suspect
Glaucoma is usually high pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve and can result in permanent vision loss. Various exams and tests are used to diagnose the disease. -
Angle Recession Glaucoma
Angle recession glaucoma refers to a group of ocular disorders that occur after the eye undergoes trauma. Following this trauma, different mechanisms can cause an abnormal elevation of pressure inside the eye. An ophthalmologist diagnoses angle recession glaucoma using special instruments. Treatment may include eye drops, medication, laser surgery, or conventional incisional surgery. Taking steps to prevent traumatic eye injury is the best way to prevent angle recession glaucoma. -
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in the US and worldwide. Diabetic eye disease is a complication from diabetes. Types of diabetic eye disease include blindness, background diabetic retinopathy, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy includes blurry or hazy vision, difficulty focusing, and night glare from oncoming lights. Causes of diabetic eye disease occur over time due to hypoglycemia (high blood sugar) and other abnormalities in metabolism found in people with diabetes. Treatment for diabetes eye problems depends on the type of eye problem. Medication and surgery for diabetes eye problems may be necessary in addition to lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking. -
Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis)
Blepharitis is swelling and/or irritation of the eyelid, resulting from a bacterial infection, inflammation, or allergies. It is the most common eye disease. -
Glaucoma Overview
Glaucoma can be caused by a number of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, typically by elevating pressure inside the eye, which is called intraocular pressure (IOP) or ocular hypertension. Symptoms begin slowly and include vision loss and irregularities, eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Beta-blockers, Alpha-adrenergic agonists, and prostaglandin analogs are drugs used to treat glaucoma. Sometimes surgery is necessary, especially with congenital glaucoma. The disease is not curable but can be managed. -
Understanding Glaucoma Medications
Glaucoma is a disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP). (Intraocular means within the eye.) Increased intraocular pressure results from either increased production or decreased drainage of aqueous humor. Treatment for glaucoma can include medication and/or surgery to lower the intraocular pressure. -
Lens-Particle Glaucoma
Lens-particle glaucoma is a form of glaucoma that occurs due to leakage of material from the inside of the lens of the eye. It may be caused be trauma, surgery, or inflammation. Signs and symptoms of lens-particle glaucoma may include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain, headache, redness, and tearing. The condition is diagnosed by ophthalmologic evaluation. Treatment may include eyedrops to control eye pressure and inflammation. -
Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps occur when a muscle undergoes a sustained, forceful, and involuntary contraction. The cramp may cause a visible or palpable hardening of the muscle. Dehydration, fatigue, and certain medications may cause muscle cramps. The primary treatments for muscle cramps include relaxing, stretching, massaging, and applying heat to the cramp. -
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma or low-tension glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve is damaged despite normal fluid pressure inside the eye (other types of glaucoma result vision loss because of abnormally high pressure inside the eye. Normal-tension glaucoma typically occurs in older adults and can be caused by congenital nerve defects and irregularities in blood flow to the eye. Eyedrops and surgery are treatments for this disorder. -
Primary Congenital Glaucoma
Primary congenital glaucoma is present at birth and may be inherited. Blepharospasm, photophobia, and epiphora are symptoms. A cloudy whitish-gray cornea is a common sign. Treatment of primary congenital glaucoma typically involves surgery. -
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Glaucoma describes chronic high pressure within the eyeball. The pressure eventually causes nerve damage, though glaucoma can still occur without elevated pressure. Primary open-angle glaucoma is a subtype of the disease characterized by atrophy of the optic disc in the back oif the eye and other problems. -
Tremors
There are two main categories of tremors, 1) normal, and 2) abnormal. Abnormal tremors can be classified as resting, postural (action), intention (ataxic), and rubral tremor. Causes of tremors are very diverse to include other diseases or conditions, medications, and toxins. Some clinical conditions are associated with types of tremors (such as familial and essential tremor). Parkinson tremor is generally associated with Parkinson's disease. Treatment for tremors depends up on the cause. -
What Is Usually the First Sign of Glaucoma
Early glaucoma usually has few symptoms, but the buildup of pressure in the eye over time leads to slow vision loss starting with peripheral vision.
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Adult Glaucoma Suspect Glaucoma is usually high pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve and can result in permanent vision loss. Various exams and tests are used to diagnose the disease.
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Glaucoma FAQs Topic Guide - Visuals
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Glaucoma FAQs Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Bimatoprost OphthalmicBimatoprost ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye...learn more »
Travoprost OphthalmicTravoprost lowers pressure inside the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye...learn more »
Dorzolamide And Timolol OphthalmicDorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a combination medicine used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside ...learn more »
Brinzolamide OphthalmicBrinzolamide ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye...learn more »
Brimonidine OphthalmicBrimonidine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to reduce pressure inside the eyes in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The Alphagan ...
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Carteolol OphthalmicCarteolol is a beta-blocker that reduces pressure inside the eye...learn more »
Betaxolol OphthalmicBetaxolol is a beta-blocker that reduces pressure inside the eye...learn more »
Dorzolamide OphthalmicDorzolamide ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye...learn more »
Hydrocortisone TopicalHydrocortisone topical (for the skin) is a steroid that is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions that respond to steroid medicatio...learn more »
Echothiophate Iodide OphthalmicEchothiophate iodide ophthalmic (for the eyes) reduces pressure in the eye. This medicine is used to treat chronic open-angle glaucoma, and other types of g...learn more »
Apraclonidine OphthalmicApraclonidine reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside the eye...learn more »
Glaucoma FAQs Topic Guide – Related Topics
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