Open angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that is characterized by an open, normal appearing anterior chamber angle and progressive optic neuropathy. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, often has no noticeable signs until vision loss occurs. This is why glaucoma is often called the "sneak thief of sight." Early on, open-angle glaucoma has no symptoms. It causes no pain. Vision stays normal.

Causes

Open-angle glaucoma is caused by the slow clogging of the drainage canals, resulting in increased eye pressure. The structure of the eye's drainage system is complex. The balance of production and drainage of the eye's clear fluid determines the eye's pressure.

Diagnosis

A comprehensive eye examination can reveal more signs, such as thinning of the optic nerve fibers, small areas of bleeding on the optic nerve, and loss of nerve tissue at the rim of the nerve.

Treatment

Treatment of open-angle glaucoma — the most common form of the disease — requires lowering the eye's pressure by increasing the drainage of aqueous humor or decreasing the production of the fluid. Medications can have side effects.

Prognosis

With treatment, most people with open-angle glaucoma will not lose their sight. Without treatment, people with open-angle glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral (side) vision. They seem to be looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead (central) vision may decrease until no vision remains.

See Also

• Glaucoma
• Eye examination
• Optic nerve

Open angle glaucoma Resources
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