How does glaucoma affect the body?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. In most cases, glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) is too high. This pressure can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.

There are two main types of glaucoma:

* Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma. It usually develops slowly over time and can affect both eyes.

* Closed-angle glaucoma: This type of glaucoma develops suddenly and can cause severe pain, redness, and vision loss.

Glaucoma can also be classified as either primary or secondary.

* Primary glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is not caused by another medical condition.

* Secondary glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is caused by another medical condition, such as diabetes, trauma, or inflammation of the eye.

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss. If you are at risk for glaucoma, it is important to have your eyes checked regularly. Early detection and treatment can help to prevent vision loss.

Here are some of the ways that glaucoma can affect the body:

* Damage to the optic nerve: Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve by compressing it or by interrupting the flow of blood and nutrients to the nerve. This damage can cause vision loss.

* Loss of peripheral vision: Glaucoma often causes loss of peripheral vision first. This means that you may lose the ability to see objects to the side of you.

* Tunnel vision: In advanced cases of glaucoma, you may lose the ability to see anything except straight ahead. This is known as tunnel vision.

* Total blindness: In rare cases, glaucoma can lead to total blindness.

Glaucoma can also affect your quality of life. For example, you may have difficulty driving, reading, or participating in other activities that require good vision.