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`Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
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`Glaucoma
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`Overview
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`Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for
`good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye.
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`Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. It can occur at any
`age but is more common in older adults.
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`Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a
`change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage.
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`Because vision loss due to glaucoma can't be recovered, it's important to have regular eye exams that
`include measurements of your eye pressure so a diagnosis can be made in its early stages and
`treated appropriately. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. If you
`have the condition, you'll generally need treatment for the rest of your life.
`Symptoms
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`The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of your condition. For
`example
`Open-angle glaucoma
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`Patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) or central vision, frequently in both eyes
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`Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
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`Acute angle-closure glaucoma
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`Severe headache
`Eye pain
`Nausea and vomiting
`Blurred vision
`Halos around lights
`Eye redness
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`If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. Even with treatment, about 15 percent of
`people with glaucoma become blind in at least one eye within 20 years.
`When to see a doctor
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`Promptly go to an emergency room or an eye doctor's (ophthalmologist's) office if you experience
`some of the symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, such as severe headache, eye pain and
`blurred vision
`Causes
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`Glaucoma is the result of damage to the optic nerve. As this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots
`develop in your visual field. For reasons that doctors don't fully understand, this nerve damage is
`usually related to increased pressure in the eye.
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`Elevated eye pressure is due to a buildup of a fluid (aqueous humor) that flows throughout the inside of
`your eye. This internal fluid normally drains out through a tissue called the trabecular meshwork at the
`angle where the iris and cornea meet. When fluid is overproduced or the drainage system doesn't
`work properly, the fluid can't flow out at its normal rate and eye pressure increases.
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`Glaucoma tends to run in families. In some people, scientists have identified genes related to high eye
`pressure and optic nerve damage.
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`Types of glaucoma include:
`Open-angle glaucoma
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`Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease. The drainage angle formed by the
`cornea and iris remains open, but the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked This causes pressure
`in the eye to gradually increase. This pressure damages the optic nerve. It happens so slowly that you
`may lose vision before you're even aware of a problem
`Angle-closure glaucoma
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`Angle closure glaucoma, also called closed angle glaucoma, occurs when the iris bulges forward to
`narrow or block the drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris. As a result, fluid can't circulate
`through the eye and pressure increases Some people have narrow drainage angles, putting them at
`increased risk of angle-closure glaucoma.
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`Angle closure glaucoma may occur suddenly (acute angle closure glaucoma) or gradually (chronic
`angle-closure glaucoma). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency.
`Normal-tension glaucoma
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`In normal-tension glaucoma, your optic nerve becomes damaged even though your eye pressure is
`within the normal range. No one knows the exact reason for this. You may have a sensitive optic nerve,
`or you may have less blood being supplied to your optic nerve. This limited blood flow could be
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`caused by atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries — or other
`conditions that impair circulation.
`Glaucoma in children
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`It's possible for infants and children to have glaucoma It may be present from birth or develop in the
`first few years of life. The optic nerve damage may be caused by drainage blockages or an underlying
`medical condition
`Pigmentary glaucoma
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`In pigmentary glaucoma, pigment granules from your iris build up in the drainage channels, slowing or
`blocking fluid exiting your eye. Activities such as jogging sometimes stir up the pigment granules,
`depositing them on the trabecular meshwork and causing intermittent pressure elevations
`Risk factors
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`Because chronic forms of glaucoma can destroy vision before any signs or symptoms are apparent,
`be aware of these risk factors:
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`Having high internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
`Being over age 60
`Being black, Asian or Hispanic
`Having a family history of glaucoma
`Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and
`sickle cell anemia
`Having corneas that are thin in the center
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`Being extremely nearsighted or farsighted
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`Having had an eye injury or certain types of eye surgery
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`Taking corticosteroid medications, especially eyedrops, for a long time
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`Prevention
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`These self-care steps can help you detect glaucoma in its early stages, which is important in
`preventing vision loss or slowing its progress.
`Get regular dilated eye examinations. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect
`glaucoma in its early stages, before significant damage occurs. As a general rule, the American
`Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having a comprehensive eye exam every five to 10
`years if you're under 40 years old; every two to four years if you're 40 to 54 years old; every one to
`three years if you're 55 to 64 years old; and every one to two years if you're older than 65 If you're
`at risk of glaucoma, you'll need more frequent screening. Ask your doctor to recommend the right
`screening schedule for you
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`Know your family's eye health history. Glaucoma tends to run in families. If you're at increased
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`risk, you may need more frequent screening.
`Exercise safely. Regular, moderate exercise may help prevent glaucoma by reducing eye
`pressure. Talk with your doctor about an appropriate exercise program.
`Take prescribed eyedrops regularly. Glaucoma eyedrops can significantly reduce the risk that
`high eye pressure will progress to glaucoma. To be effective, eyedrops prescribed by your doctor
`need to be used regularly even if you have no symptoms.
`Wear eye protection. Serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Wear eye protection when
`using power tools or playing high-speed racket sports in enclosed courts.
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`By Mayo Clinic Staff
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