Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a very broad term for a certain pattern of damage to the optic nerve.

The optic nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that carries information from the eye to the brain. In most cases of Glaucoma the pattern of damage to the optic nerve happens in the presence of high intraocular pressure; however, Glaucoma can occur with normal or even below-normal eye pressure. Pressure in the eye is caused by a build up of aqueous humor (fluid found in and around the eye). Aqueous humor is produced by a gland called the ciliary body. The aqueous humor should continuously drain through trabecular meshwork; however the trabecular meshwork can become clogged inhibiting the eye from draining properly. A clogged trabecular meshwork and resulting high pressure in the eye can be the result of any one of a variety of eye diseases and conditions. As pressure builds within the eye, the eye starts to warp and become misshaped at its weakest point. This point is in the sclera where the optic nerve leaves the eye. Glaucoma or damage to the optical nerve causes permanent visual loss. Consult with a doctor for diagnosis and treatment options. Early diagnosis and treatment of Glaucoma can result reduced risk of permanent visual loss.