Open angle glaucoma
Open angle glaucoma (pronunciation: /ˈoʊpən ˈæŋɡəl ɡlɔːˈkoʊmə/) is a type of glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye.
Etymology
The term "open angle glaucoma" is derived from the description of the angle that is formed between the iris and the cornea in the eye. In this type of glaucoma, the angle is "open", but the trabecular meshwork (the eye's drainage canals) becomes blocked, causing an increase in intraocular pressure.
Symptoms
Open angle glaucoma often has no symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include gradual loss of peripheral vision and, in advanced stages, tunnel vision.
Causes
The exact cause of open angle glaucoma is not known. It is believed to occur when the eye's drainage canals become blocked or clogged over time, leading to increased intraocular pressure. This pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.
Treatment
Treatment for open angle glaucoma typically involves medication, laser treatment, or surgery. The goal of these treatments is to lower the pressure in the eye.
Related Terms
- Intraocular pressure: The fluid pressure inside the eye.
- Optic nerve: A bundle of nerve fibers that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain.
- Iris: The colored part of the eye, which controls the amount of light that enters the eye.
- Cornea: The clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.
- Trabecular meshwork: The eye's drainage canals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Open angle glaucoma
- Wikipedia's article - Open angle glaucoma
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