What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers that carries information from the eye to the brain. It can lead to vision loss and blindness. Although there is no cure, medications and surgery can help slow the disease’s progression. Learn about the signs and symptoms of glaucoma, treatments, prevention techniques, and ways to care for yourself or a loved one.
Program Impact
Accelerating Research Toward a Cure
National Glaucoma Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, funds a wide range of innovative scientific approaches that explore the root causes of this eye disease.
With our funding, scientists around the world are developing, testing, and investigating hundreds of ideas to prevent, treat, and cure glaucoma.
We’ve invested nearly $51 million in glaucoma research to date across 496 research grants.
Understanding Glaucoma
Types of Glaucoma
There are two main forms of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure. There are also several other less common forms of this eye disease, including normal-tension, childhood, and secondary glaucoma.
The most common types of glaucoma often have no symptoms until irreversible damage to the eye has already occurred and vision loss has begun. That’s why glaucoma is sometimes called the “sneak thief of sight,” and why regular screening and early detection are so important.
Learn about the different types of glaucoma:
Open-Angle Glaucoma
The most common form, affecting approximately 70-90% of people with the disease, open-angle glaucoma is a chronic, slowly progressing condition that has few or no symptoms until peripheral vision loss has already begun. In the U.S., this type impacts African American and Hispanic populations at higher rates than other ethnicities.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This second most common type of glaucoma is a largely inherited disorder caused by a narrow angle in the eye’s passageway where aqueous fluid would normally flow.
Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This type of glaucoma progresses more slowly and can damage the optic nerve without symptoms, similar to open-angle glaucoma.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This occurs suddenly when the flow of aqueous humor between the iris and the lens of the eye is blocked. This rare medical emergency must be treated immediately or blindness could result in a day or two.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
This form is very similar to primary open-angle glaucoma, except that damage to the optic nerve occurs even though eye pressure is not elevated.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma can be open-angle or closed-angle and is the result of some other medical condition in the eye or the body.
How Glaucoma Affects Vision
How Open-Angle Glaucoma May Affect Vision
Who is at Risk of Developing Glaucoma?
The most common types of glaucoma have completely different symptoms. However, there are some general risk factors to keep in mind, including:
- High eye pressure
- Family history of glaucoma
- Being age 40 and older for African Americans
- Being age 60 and older, particularly for Hispanics/Latinos
Browse other potential risk factors and how to lower your risk.
By The Numbers
Facts & Figures
3 Million+ Americans
More than three million Americans aged 40 and older are living with glaucoma, 2.7 million of whom are affected by its most common type, open-angle glaucoma.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, affecting 80 million people.
Eye Pressure: A Major Risk Factor
Eye pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma, but not every person with increased eye pressure will develop glaucoma. Glaucoma can even develop without increased eye pressure.
Early Detection Can Protect Vision
Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma; however, early detection and treatment can slow the progression of the disease and protect remaining vision.
Resources
Explore Helpful Resources & Information
Glaucoma Explained: Types, Risk Factors, and Treatments
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jaehong Han about the different types of glaucoma, including open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension, and more, discussing who is most affected by each and how treatments can vary.
Can AI Prevent Vision Loss From Glaucoma?
What you need to know about how artificial intelligence could improve glaucoma detection, treatment, and care.
Glaucoma Treatments in 2024
A glaucoma specialist discussed the diverse landscape of glaucoma treatments, including newly approved medications.
How to Ask Family About Glaucoma History: A Conversation Guide
Uncover how to discuss glaucoma’s hereditary aspects with relatives using our conversation guide.
Latest Updates on Glaucoma Eye Drops
Dr. Natasha Nayak Kolomeyer, glaucoma specialist and ophthalmologist at Wills Eye Hospital, discusses various types of eye drops used in glaucoma treatment, how they work, potential side effects, and tips for managing challenges associated with their use.
Childhood Glaucoma
Learn about the different types of childhood glaucoma, including primary congenital, infantile, and juvenile glaucoma.
Financial Aid for Glaucoma Medications
Learn about financial aid resources that may be available to help cover the costs of your glaucoma prescription medications.
Treatments for Glaucoma
Read and download a printable fact sheet about the various types of glaucoma treatments.
Exploring Artificial Intelligence and Glaucoma: Challenges, Opportunities, and Hope
Discover the innovative ways scientists and healthcare professionals are leveraging artificial intelligence to detect and diagnose glaucoma.
