Open-angle glaucoma

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Open-angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, in which slow damage to the optic nerve in the back of the eye causes gradual loss of vision. The cause is not well understood but in some cases may be increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure) that results from the buildup of fluid inside the eye.

Open-angle glaucoma usually occurs in both eyes at about the same time. However, one eye may be more severely affected than the other eye. At first, the person loses eyesight in the sides or outer parts of vision (peripheral vision) and night vision. Sometimes much of the person's eyesight may be affected before the glaucoma is detected.

If open-angle glaucoma is not treated, the person will continue to lose vision until total blindness develops. Treatment for open-angle glaucoma may require medication (eyedrops) that lowers the pressure inside the eye, laser treatment, or (rarely) surgery.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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