Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to abnormally high pressure in your eye (intraocular pressure). This damage can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated.
The optic nerve is like a cable that connects your eye to your brain, transmitting visual information. When damaged, this transmission is interrupted, leading to vision loss that cannot be recovered.
Importantly, there are several different types of glaucoma, each with unique characteristics, causes, and treatment approaches. Understanding which type you have is crucial for proper management.
This is the most common type of glaucoma, accounting for about 90% of all cases. It develops slowly over time, often without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
In a healthy eye, fluid (called aqueous humor) flows freely through the trabecular meshwork, which is like a drainage system. In POAG, this drainage system becomes partially blocked, although it appears normal when examined. This causes pressure to build up gradually, damaging the optic nerve over time.
Also known as closed-angle glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma, this type is less common but can cause rapid vision loss. It requires immediate medical attention, especially during an acute attack.
In angle-closure glaucoma, the drainage angle between the iris (colored part of the eye) and cornea (clear front surface) becomes too narrow or closed. This blocks fluid from leaving the eye, causing a rapid or gradual increase in pressure.
In this unique form of glaucoma, optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite normal eye pressure levels. This suggests that factors other than pressure are involved in damaging the optic nerve.
The precise cause is not fully understood, but it may be related to poor blood flow to the optic nerve, increased sensitivity of the optic nerve to pressure, or autoimmune factors. The damage pattern is similar to other types of glaucoma, but pressure readings remain in the normal range.
Secondary glaucoma occurs when another condition causes increased eye pressure, leading to optic nerve damage. There are multiple forms, each named after its cause.
| Type | Cause | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma | Buildup of white, dandruff-like material in the eye's drainage system | More aggressive than POAG, may cause higher pressure spikes |
| Pigmentary Glaucoma | Pigment from the iris flakes off and clogs drainage channels | More common in younger, nearsighted individuals |
| Traumatic Glaucoma | Eye injury damages drainage system or causes bleeding | May occur immediately after injury or years later |
| Neovascular Glaucoma | Abnormal blood vessel growth due to diabetes or vein occlusions | Difficult to treat, often severe |
| Steroid-Induced Glaucoma | Prolonged use of steroid medications | Pressure usually drops when steroids are discontinued |
Symptoms vary greatly depending on the underlying cause, but may include:
This rare form of glaucoma is present at birth or develops in the first few years of life. It occurs due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system before birth.
The drainage angle of the eye doesn't form properly, preventing normal fluid outflow. This leads to increased eye pressure and potential damage to the optic nerve. In infants, the increased pressure may also cause the eye to enlarge, as children's eyes are more flexible than adults'.
Treatment approaches vary depending on the type of glaucoma, its severity, and individual factors. Mr. Panos will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.
| Type of Glaucoma | First-Line Treatment | Advanced Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Open-Angle | Eye drops to lower pressure | Laser treatments, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), traditional glaucoma surgery |
| Angle-Closure (Acute) | Immediate medications to lower pressure, laser iridotomy | Surgery to create new drainage pathways |
| Angle-Closure (Chronic) | Laser iridotomy, eye drops | Similar to POAG treatments |
| Normal-Tension | Eye drops to lower pressure further | Similar to POAG, with focus on blood flow improvement |
| Secondary | Treatment of underlying cause plus pressure-lowering medications | Depends on specific type and cause |
| Congenital | Surgery to create proper drainage | Multiple surgeries may be needed as the child grows |
Mr. Chris Panos specializes in all types of glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. He will determine which type of glaucoma you have and create a personalized treatment plan to protect your vision. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact:
Secretary: Jackie Hugget
Phone: 01372 502 503
Email: chrispanossecretary@gmail.com