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Etiology - Glaucoma is caused by pressure buildup within the eye. It can sometimes be hereditary, as well as disproportionately affect geriatrics, diabetics, and various ethnicities.
Symptoms - Unlike many visual impairments, Glaucoma has no initial symptoms. However, as it progresses, it will cause a narrowed scope of vision (i.e., tunnel vision), peripheral blind spots, and decreased night vision.
Details - Glaucoma is a serious, yet common eye disease. In fact, it is a predominant cause of blindness worldwide. Due to excess production or poor drainage of aqueous humor (fluid helping maintain eye's shape), pressure levels rise within the eye. This increased pressure then damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for relaying images to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can quickly lead to permanent vision loss.
Treatment - Unfortunately, glaucoma is a disease with no cure. However, there are many treatments that help lower eye pressure, which can slow (and sometimes prevent) further vision loss. These treatments include oral medications, eye drops, and surgical procedures.
Pictured above is a simplified visual representation of the pressure increase caused by glaucoma within the eye.
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