Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye caused by increased pressure in the eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and even blindness. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world and affects more than three million Americans. The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma, which is caused by an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, a fluid that lubricates the front of the eye. As the fluid accumulates, it builds up pressure, damaging the optic nerve and resulting in vision loss. Other types of glaucoma include closed-angle glaucoma, where the fluid is blocked from draining, and normal-tension glaucoma, where the pressure is normal but the optic nerve is still damaged. Treatment for glaucoma includes medications, laser treatments, and surgery, depending on the type and severity of the condition.