Glaucoma Effects

According to the Mayo Clinic, glaucoma is the primary cause of irreversible blindness and the second leading cause of blindness. Glaucoma is a group of disorders that damage the eye's optic nerve---the primary vision nerve.

Types

• Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and is caused by damage to the optic nerve due to increased eye pressure. Other less common types not associated with eye pressure include low-tension and normal-tension glaucoma.

Effects

• Glaucoma typically begins with gradual loss of peripheral vision and can escalate to loss of central vision or complete blindness if not treated. This disease can affect one or both eyes.

Risk Factors

• People of all ages and races can develop glaucoma. African-Americans over age 40, people over 60 and those with a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk of developing the disease.

Detection

• Glaucoma is detected through a series of eye exams. Early detection is important in controlling the affects of the disease.

Cure

• There is no cure for glaucoma. Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored.