Types of Glaucoma

There are several different types of glaucoma. The most common types include open angle glaucoma, angle closure glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma. Although the severity of the disease varies depending on the type, it is necessary to seek help from an eye care professional to control and prevent the damage caused by any type of glaucoma.

 

An Introduction to the Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases sharing certain features, commonly including high intraocular pressure (IOP), damaged optic nerves, and loss of peripheral vision.
 
Types of glaucoma include:
 
  • Open angle glaucoma
  • Angle closure glaucoma
  • Low tension glaucoma
  • Normal tension glaucoma
  • Congenital glaucoma
  • Secondary glaucoma
  • Pigmentary glaucoma
  • Steroid-induced glaucoma
  • Neovascular glaucoma.
     
Open Angle Glaucoma
Primary open angle glaucoma (also known as chronic glaucoma) mainly affects adults over age 35. Open angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. In most cases, by the time open angle glaucoma is detected, it has already begun doing damage.
 
Angle Closure Glaucoma
The uncommon primary angle closure glaucoma may seem the opposite of open angle glaucoma, erupting in a sudden, violent attack.
 
In angle closure glaucoma, the fluid at the front of the eye cannot reach the angle and leave the eye. The angle gets blocked by part of the iris. People with this type of glaucoma have a sudden increase in eye pressure. Symptoms include severe pain and nausea, as well as redness of the eye and blurred vision. If you have these symptoms, you need to seek treatment immediately. This is a medical emergency. If your doctor is unavailable, go to the nearest hospital or clinic.
 
Without treatment to improve the flow of fluid, the eye can become blind in as few as one or two days. Usually, prompt laser surgery and medicines can clear the blockage and protect sight.
 
It's also possible to get both open angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma ("combined-mechanism") together. Regular eye examinations can help protect against the onset of open angle and angle closure glaucoma.
 
Other names for angle closure glaucoma include:
 
Low Tension or Normal Tension Glaucoma
In low tension or normal tension glaucoma, optic nerve damage and narrowed side vision occur in people with normal eye pressure. Lowering eye pressure at least 30 percent through medicines slows the disease in some people. Glaucoma may worsen in others despite low pressures.
 
A comprehensive medical history is important in identifying other potential risk factors, such as low blood pressure, that contribute to low tension glaucoma. If no risk factors are identified, the treatment options for low tension glaucoma are the same as for open angle glaucoma.
(Types of Glaucoma Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD