What is Glaucoma: conditions, tests and available treatment

About glaucoma symptoms and various pathology associated with glaucoma and intraocular pressure

Glaucoma is an eye disease that is caused by excessive buildup of fluid inside the putting pressure on the inside of the eye and the retina (ocular hypertension or intraocular pressure or IOP). This glaucoma pressure causes a loss of vision when pressure builds and damages fibers in the optic nerve. The glaucoma pressure level at which damage occurs varies from one person to another. Glaucoma causes 12% to 15% of all new cases of blindness each year and is the third leading cause of blindness in the U.S.

Information on glaucoma types and conditions. Diagnostic tests and current treatments available for glaucoma and associated high intraocular hypertension (pressure)

For a glaucoma test, a tonometer is used to monitor the tonometry or pressure inside the eye. A glaucoma doctor uses a Goldmann perimetry type of visual field exam or perimetry test is used check the peripheral vision, sight fixation and to find scotoma or damaged retinal cells in the eye. It is an especially common eye problem in people over age 60. There are two types of glaucoma; the most common being open angle glaucoma and the less common, but more serious, called narrow angle glaucoma. Symptoms of glaucoma are few, but a simple, painless eye test detects the problem. If untreated by glaucoma surgery or other glaucoma treatment, glaucoma can result in gradual, painless, irreversible loss of vision, possibly leading to blindness. Specific forms of glaucoma include congenital glaucoma, acute glaucoma and coleus forskohli glaucoma.