Glaucoma is a chronic disease that leads to the progressive loss of the nerve fibers of the optic nerve. This loss of nerve fibers causes vision loss and, in more advanced stages, irreversible blindness.
Risk factors:
Family history of glaucoma.
High eye pressure (>21 mm Hg).
Age over 55 years.
Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sickle cell anemia.
Myopia or hypermetropia.
Common symptoms:
Glaucoma does not produce any initial symptoms and, when it is already very advanced, the patient may notice decreased vision in one or both eyes.
Treatment:
Eye drops to lower and maintain low eye pressure.
Various surgical procedures to help maintain low eye pressure.
