Glaucoma is a condition in which the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises as a result of the fluid aqueous humor which normally flows in and out of the eye not being able to drain properly.

Causes

Elevated pressure in the eye is the main factor leading to glaucomatous damage to the eye (optic) nerve. Many factors are associated with an increased risk of developing glaucoma, some of which are elevated IOP, a family history, ethnic background, and older age.

Symptoms

Most people who have glaucoma do not notice any symptoms until they begin to lose some vision. As optic nerve fibers are damaged by glaucoma, small blind spots may begin to develop, usually in the side or peripheral vision. Many people do not notice the blind spots until significant optic nerve damage has already occurred. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results.

One type of glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma, does produce noticeable symptoms because there is a rapid build-up of pressure in the eye. The following are the most common symptoms of this type of glaucoma. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Blurred or narrowed field of vision
• Headache
• Epiphora
• Eye pain
• Photophobia
• Severe pain in the eyes
• Nausea
• Pain around the eyes after watching TV or leaving a dark theater
   

Treatment

 There is no cure for glaucoma, but it can be controlled. Ophthalmologists use medication and surgery to prevent further vision loss.
 
Some medications cause the eye to produce less fluid while others lower pressure by helping fluid drain from the eye

• Acetazolamide
• Oral glycerol
• Mannitol intravenously
• Urea intravenously
• Pilocarpine 4%

Surgery is the primary treatment for congenital and infantile glaucoma

• Goniotomy
• Goniopuncture
• Trabeculotomy
• Trabeculectomy
• Cyclotherapy