Health's Book

Definition

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that lead to damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain.

In many cases, damage to the optic nerve is due to increased pressure in the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP).

Symptoms

OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA

* Most people have NO symptoms until they begin to lose vision
* Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision (also called tunnel vision)

ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA

* Symptoms may come and go at first, or steadily become worse
* Sudden, severe pain in one eye
* Decreased or cloudy vision
* Nausea and vomiting
* Rainbow-like halos around lights
* Red eye
* Eye feels swollen

CONGENITAL GLAUCOMA

* Symptoms are usually noticed when the child is a few months old
* Cloudiness of the front of the eye
* Enlargement of one eye or both eyes
* Red eye
* Sensitivity to light
* Tearing