From the Guidelines
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by optic nerve damage, often due to elevated intraocular pressure, and includes types such as open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma. The main types of glaucoma are:
- Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, which develops slowly as drainage canals gradually clog
- Angle-closure glaucoma, which occurs when the iris blocks the drainage angle, causing a sudden pressure increase and requiring emergency treatment
- Normal-tension glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve despite normal eye pressure, suggesting vascular factors may be involved
- Secondary glaucoma, which develops as a complication of other conditions like eye injuries, inflammation, diabetes, or certain medications 1. According to the most recent guidelines, established and important risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) include age, race/ethnicity, level of intraocular pressure (IOP), family history of glaucoma, low ocular perfusion pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, myopia, and thin central cornea 1. Treatment approaches vary by type but generally include eye drops (prostaglandin analogs like latanoprost, beta-blockers like timolol, alpha-adrenergic agonists like brimonidine, or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like dorzolamide), oral medications, laser procedures, or surgery to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage 1. Early detection through regular eye exams is crucial as glaucoma often progresses without symptoms until vision loss occurs, and clinical trials have shown that lowering IOP reduces the risk of developing POAG and slows the progression of POAG, including normal-tension OAG 1.