Glaucoma Causes & Treatment

Glaucoma comes in different forms. It is not one specific eye disease, but rather a group of eye diseases sharing similar characteristics. According to the Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan, glaucoma commonly affects elderly people.

Definition

• Glaucoma refers to eye diseases causing damage to the optic nerve. When the nerves are damaged, a blind spot develops that can be permanent if not detected soon enough.

Causes

• Medical experts are not sure what causes glaucoma. Some patients exhibit higher eye pressure, whereas others do not. All feature damage of the optic nerve by some kind of anatomical force.

Types

• Chronic open-angle glaucoma is the most common type and features a blockage of the drainage of the eye, resulting in increased pressure and nerve damage. Other forms include angle-closure glaucoma and Nail-Patella syndrome.

Risk

• According to the American Optometric Association, people ages 40 and up are more at risk for glaucoma. Diabetes, high blood pressure and family history are also important risk factors.

Treatment

• Unfortunately, once the optic nerve has been damaged, the resulting vision loss usually cannot be reversed. Treatments include prescription drugs, eye drops, and laser and invasive surgery.