Glaucoma, affecting 2 of every 100 persons, is fairly common over the age of 35. There are different types of glaucoma, but all types are caused by increased pressure within the eye that , if not quickly treated, can cause severe damage to the optic nerve.

The different types of glaucoma are:

Chronic open-angle glaucoma
Congenital glaucoma
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma

Prevention involves early detection by having comprehensive eye exams, especially after the age of 35. Sometimes there may be no symptoms of glaucoma, but the level of eye pressure is above normal. An examination is the only way to discover eye problems.

Facts about glaucoma:

Glaucoma causes damage to sight at an earlier age than many eye conditions.
Blindness may develop rapidly
Glaucoma is more common among persons who are near-sighted or diabetic
Glaucoma is often symptom-less
Glaucoma is not contagious


The world through the eyes of a person with glaucoma.

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