Different Forms of Glaucoma
Open angle glaucoma
Open angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease. It is caused when the cell layer, or particles thicken, and block the proper drainage of fluid from the eye.
Angle closure glaucoma
Angle closure glaucoma is usually found in people with small eyes. Unlike open angle glaucoma, closed angle glaucoma is caused by the shape of the eye, which prevents proper drainage. The iris (the colored part of the eye) blocks fluid flow from the front of the eye to the angle.
Secondary glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma is caused by injury to the eye, which blocks the drainage of fluid. Examples of medical conditions which may cause secondary glaucoma include: advanced cataracts, eye inflammation, or an eye tumor.
Pigmentary glaucoma
Pigmentary glaucoma is caused when flakes of pigment from the iris block the drainage of fluid. This leads to increased ocular pressure.
Pseudoexfoliation
Pseudoexfoliation is similar to pigmentary glaucoma. It can lead to glaucoma as flakes of material build up preventing fluid drainage.
Ocular Hypertension
While increased ocular pressure (IOP) is the cause of all the forms of glaucoma described above, someone with high ocular pressure does not always have glaucoma. A common myth is that high ocular pressure always causes glaucoma. However, some people have what is called ocular hypertension. This is high ocular pressure that does not cause optic nerve damage.
Normal-tension glaucoma
In this form of glaucoma, also called Low-Tension glaucoma, there is normal ocular pressure. Unexpected nerve damage causes a loss of vision.
Note: For a further description of any of the information on this page, please speak with a doctor.
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