What many people do not realize is that the term glaucoma actually refers to a group of eye disease that lead to damage of the optic nerve, usually resulting from a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain.
The various types of glaucoma include:
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma is what most people think of when referring to glaucoma.
- Low-Tension Glaucoma: Also known as normal-tension glaucoma, this form of the eye disease causes optic nerve damage and vision loss in people with normal intraocular eye pressure.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: In this form of glaucoma, the fluid at the front of the eye cannot reach the angle to leave the eye, causing a sudden increase in eye pressure.
- Congenital Glaucoma: Congenital glaucoma occurs when children are born with a defect in the angle of the eye, slowing the normal drainage of fluid and the eventual increase in eye pressure.
- Pigmentary Glaucoma: This is a type of inherited open-angle glaucoma, which develops more frequently in men than in women and is most prevalent in individuals in their twenties and thirties.
- Trauma-Related Glaucoma: Trauma to the eye can sometimes result in the development of glaucoma in the injured eye.
- Pseudo-Exfoliation Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is characterized by the production and progressive accumulation of a dandruff-like material in the ocular tissues.
- Secondary Glaucoma: This refers to any glaucoma that develops as a complication of other medical conditions.
Glaucoma Detection and Treatment in Annapolis, Maryland
In its earliest stages, glaucoma presents little or no symptoms. Because of this, many patients can lose as much as 40% of their vision before even noticing, which is why glaucoma is sometimes referred to as the sneak thief of sight. And once a person begins to lose their vision, the damage is irreversible. This is why regular eye exams are so important.
With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can be managed. If left untreated, glaucoma can and does lead to total blindness.
Located in Annapolis, Maryland, Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Not only does an AAEC offer a wide range of advanced procedures to improve and preserve your vision, but board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles is passionate about further educating patients and their families about the eye disease they are afflicted with.
To learn more about Glaucoma, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, our state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.
You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!