The cause of eye damage in some otherwise healthy eyes is a raised pressure within the eye, (the intraocular pressure), that can damage the nerve over a period of time and this damage results in poor blood supply or weak end eye structure.

Risk factors for Glaucoma

What are the types of Glaucoma?

    Open Angle Glaucoma

    Closed Angle Glaucoma  

    Normal-tension Glaucoma

    Pigmented Glaucoma

    Congenital Glaucoma
 
   Secondary Glaucoma

Risk factors for Glaucoma:

Persons who have had eye surgery or an eye injury earlier in life.

People with very near sightedness or far sightedness.

Diabetes and certain other chronic diseases.

African-Americans are more prone to this condition.

Anyone over the age of 60 are most susceptible.

People with a family history of glaucoma.

Persons with heart disease or conditions resulting in sluggish blood flow to the eye are at an increased risk for developing glaucoma.

Obesity has been identified as a risk factor associated with glaucoma.

What are the types of Glaucoma?
Open Angle Glaucoma - It is the most common type of glaucoma. This is completely painless and causes a very gradual loss of vision due to excessive production of fluid inside the eye.

Closed Angle Glaucoma - This type of glaucoma is far more rare than open angle glaucoma. It is characterized by blockage of the drainage system of the eye allowing fluid levels inside the eye to build and this results in increased pressure. Onset can be sudden, accompanied with pain and redness of the eye.

Normal-tension Glaucoma - this type has normal pressure however it is caused by poor blood flow to the nerve of the eyes called the optic nerve.

Pigmented Glaucoma - Is a hereditary condition typically affecting young, near sighted males.

Congenital Glaucoma - Is a rare type of glaucoma that is generally seen in infants.

Secondary Glaucoma - It may be caused by injuries to the eye, tumors, and other eye diseases.