Reviewed by Dr. Clement J. Cheng
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises, leading to vision loss—or even blindness. The eye’s lens, iris, and cornea normally are continually nourished by aqueous humor, a water-based fluid. As cells inside the eye produce new fluid, excess fluid drains out at the point where the cornea and iris meet. Chronic (or open-angle) glaucoma arises when an imbalance between the production of aqueous humor and drainage occurs. Chronic glaucoma is the most common form of the disease and usually develops with age.
Over 2 million Americans suffer from glaucoma. It is one of the leading causes of blindness. Several types of glaucoma exist:
- Chronic glaucoma: This type usually appears in middle age and appears to be genetic. Chronic glaucoma accounts for 90 percent of glaucoma cases in the United States. This kind of glaucoma sneaks up on its sufferers; it may be well established before a person notices any symptoms.
- Acute glaucoma: This type of glaucoma accounts for less than 10 percent of total cases. It comes on quickly; symptoms include severe eye pain, blurred vision, and dilated pupils. Vomiting and nausea sometimes accompany these symptoms. If left untreated it can lead to blindness in a matter of days.
- Secondary glaucoma: This is associated with another eye disorder, such as a cataract, eye tumor, or eye injury. Diabetes sufferers are also susceptible.
Nearly 3 million people have glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Although anyone can get glaucoma, some people are at higher risk. They include:
- Blacks over the age of 40
- Glaucoma is five times more likely to occur in Blacks than in Whites.
- It is about four times more likely to cause blindness in Blacks than in Whites.
- It is 15 times more likely to cause blindness in Blacks between the ages of 45- 64 than in Whites of the same age group.
- Anyone over the age of 60
- People with a family history of glaucoma
