The Truth Behind Glaucoma Part 1: The 3 Different Types of Glaucoma

Nothing can be quite as complicated as your health. And as one of the most complex parts of your body, your eyes are equally as complicated. Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage your optic nerve which can ultimately lead to permanent eye damage. And as one of the largest contributors to blindness among adults, glaucoma is an eye condition that is not worth messing around with. In this three-part blog series, we will discuss the different types of glaucoma, how glaucoma is caused, and most importantly, how it is treated. To fully understand this eye disease, it’s important to know that there are multiple types of glaucoma including open-angle glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, angle closure glaucoma, and more. Read on to learn more about this eye disease.

• Open-angle Glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma that affects around 3 million Americans. By causing high-pressure to arise on the inner part of the eyes, glaucoma primarily causes problems within the drainage canal, which if left untreated, can result in blindness.
• Normal Tension Glaucoma: NTG or Normal Tension Glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that causes damage to the optic nerve while the eye pressure remains within the normal range. As a form of glaucoma that is still being researched by doctors, it is unclear as to what the cause of NTC is.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: As a more rare form of glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma involves the pressure in the eyes to rise quickly. By causing the drainage canals in the eyes to become clogged and completely covered, angle-closure glaucoma differs from other types of glaucoma because it occurs at a faster rate.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that, unlike cataracts, can affect people of all ages. If you have a family history of glaucoma, then it’s important to get checked for it at your next eye exam from Millennium Park Eye Center. To learn more about you and your eye health, contact the eye experts at Millennium Park Eye today to schedule your appointment.