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What Causes the Eye Disease Glaucoma & How Is it Treated?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects over 3 million Americans, according to a MedicineNet.com report. This disease affects the eye's optic nerve, the major nerve responsible for vision.

  1. Significance

    • MedicineNet.com states that glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, with roughly 6 million people worldwide blind in both eyes. Nicknamed "the thief of sight," glaucoma often has no symptoms until vision loss has already begun.

    Eye Pressure

    • Eye pressure, technically called intraocular pressure (IOP), is determined by the flow of fluid (aqueous humor) in the eye, which protects and bathes the eye. According to AllAboutVision.com, high IOP is the leading sign and cause of glaucoma, and it leads to damage of the optic nerve.

    Age, Gender and Race

    • MedicineNet.com reports that high IOP occurs with age. Eye pressure typically begins to increase (and worsen) after age 40. According to MedicineNet.com and AllAboutVision.com, studies have also found that glaucoma is more prevalent in women and African Americans.

    Fluid Blockage (Occlusions)

    • AllAboutVision.com published the results of a 2007 study in the United Kingdom, which showed that a buildup of a protein in the eye's retina related to the development of glaucoma. A blockage in blood flow and fluids in the eye can be caused by a trauma or injury to the head or eye, another eye condition or some medical condition that affects blood flow.

    Eye Drops

    • Elevated IOP is what leads to damage of the optic nerve, which leads to vision loss. Therefore, doctors use special eye drops to lower IOP levels by increasing the outflow of eye fluids. These drops include prostaglandins, beta-blockers, alpha-adrenergic agonists, hyperosmotic agents and other active ingredients.

    Surgery

    • Several forms of surgery can treat glaucoma. Laser iridotomy involves creating a hole with lasers to allow fluid to drain, relieving high IOP. Laser trabeculoplasty is used in lieu of eye drops. This laser procedure functions to drain the eye and is performed only in eyes with open angles. Trabeculectomy is a common microsurgery that yields a new drainage system.

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