A Definition Of Glaucoma

The basic definition of glaucoma is a condition where pressure inside the eye rises to the point of causing damage to the optic nerve with associated loss of vision. There are a number of causes of glaucoma but the most common type of glaucoma is called open angle glaucoma. The second most common type of glaucoma is called angle closure glaucoma.

In open angle glaucoma the trabecular meshwork does not work properly and aqueous fluid cannot drain out of the eye. Fluid continues to be produced and pressure builds up inside the eye. This process is slow and initially does not cause any symptoms. If the glaucoma goes undetected then irreversible damage will occur to the optic nerve causing loss of visual function. In the case of angle closure glaucoma the iris is pushed forward against the back side of the cornea and the trabecular meshwork is obstructed causing the pressure inside the eye to rise.