Education/Resources: Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steals sight without warning and often without symptoms. The normal fluid pressure inside the eyes (intraocular pressure) slowly rises when the aqueous humor which normally flows in and out of the eye cannot drain properly. Instead, the fluid collects and causes pressure damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision.

Congenital, secondary, open angle, and closed angle are the four different types of glaucoma.

Open angle(chronic)glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. the eye's drainage canals become clogged over time. The inner eye pressure rises because the correct amount of fluid cannot drain out of the eye. Inside the drainage canals is where the clogging problem occurs.

Closed angle (acute) glaucoma is also known as narrow angle glaucoma which is more rare and different than open angle glaucoma. The pressure in the eye usually goes up very fast. The drainage canal gets blocked or covered. The iris and the cornea are not as wide and open as they should be. The outer edges of the iris bunch up over the drainage canal when the pupil enlarges too much or too quickly.

Congenital glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma which may occur in young children and babies. Incorrect or incomplete development of the eye's drainage canals is the cause of this type of glaucoma.

Secondary glaucoma may occur from other medical conditions such as diabetes, eye surgery or advanced cataracts, or eye injuries. Steroids and certain drugs can also be the cause of secondary glaucoma, which can be mild or severe.

Treatment for glaucoma, may include medicines, laser surgery, or conventional surgery. For more information or to schedule a glaucoma screening, please call our offices at  570-628-4444 (Pottsville), 570-648-4444 (Shamokin) or 610-396-9999 (Wyomissing) or email our Glaucoma Specialist Dr. Scott Piette at scottpiette@pvi-vision.com