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Etiology - Glaucoma is typically caused by pressure buildup within the eye. Additionally, glaucoma has been shown to sometimes be hereditary, as well as disproportionately affect the geriatric population, those with diabetes, and those of various ethnic descent.
Symptoms - *NO NOTICEABLE SYMPTOMS AT FIRST* but eventually leads to narrowed scope of peripheral vision (i.e., creation of tunnel vision), blind spots in peripheral vision, and difficulty seeing in low light.
Details - Glaucoma is a serious, yet not uncommon eye disease. In fact, it's one of the most predominant causes of blindness worldwide. The troublesome pressure increase it causes within the eye is often due to excess production or poor drainage of aqueous humor (the fluid that helps maintain the eye's shape). This pressure increase then damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for relaying visual images to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can quickly lead to permanent vision loss.
Treatment - Unfortunately, glaucoma is a disease with no current cure. However, there are many treatments that can help lower eye pressure, which slows (and in some cases prevents) further glaucoma-related damages to vision. These treatments include eye drops, oral medications, and various surgical procedures.
Pictured above is a simplified visual representation of the pressure increase caused by glaucoma within the eye.
Photo Creds: The Wolfe Eye Clinic
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