Anatomy of glaucoma Open-angle glaucoma - CNIB

Closed-angle glaucomaIn closed-angle glaucoma, the distancebetween the cornea and the iris closescompletely, stopping fluid from draining from theeye.Over time this can expand to “tunnel” vision oreven complete vision loss.Acute closed-angle glaucoma is a medicalemergency and has a sudden onset ofsymptoms:• Severe eye pain• Headaches (especially in dim light)• Blurred vision• Nausea• Redness in the eye• Haloes around lightsIf you have these symptoms, see youreye doctor or go to an emergency roomimmediately – it could save your sight.In the acute form of closed-angle glaucoma,this happens suddenly, often in a matter ofhours. In chronic closed-angle glaucoma,this can take weeks or even years.Detecting GlaucomaGlaucoma symptomsOpen-angle glaucoma and chronic closedangleglaucoma begin without any symptoms.There is no pain, and vision loss isn’t noticeableat first. If left untreated, glaucoma causes agrowing area of vision loss on the periphery ofvision.Most eye doctors use a variety of tests to checkfor glaucoma. These include a tonometry test,which measures pressure inside the eye (called“intraocular pressure,” or IOP).Since glaucoma often has nosymptoms, having regulareye exams is the singlemost important thing youcan do to prevent it.Copyright © 1996-2008 CNIB. All rights reserved.Created by AXS Biomedical Animation Studio. Inc.Sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Ophthalmology.page 2 of 3

Risk factorsNon-modifiable risk factors are things youcan’t change:• Increased age• Female gender• Naturally high levels of pressure in theeye• Family history of glaucoma• Nearsightedness• Ethnicity: People of African or Hispanicdescent have a greater risk of openangleglaucoma. Those of Asian or Inuitdescent have an increased risk forother types of glaucoma.You can change modifiable risk factors:• Manage diabetes and high bloodpressure.• Protect your eyes from injuries andinfections.• If you have other risk factors, talk toyour eye doctor before usingantihistamines, antidepressants,dilating eye drops or steroids, orbeginning a weight training programAnd don’t forget your regular eye exams!Cure and treatmentThere is no cure for glaucoma. It can be treatedif detected early, preventing further damage.Treatment usually involves eye drops to lowerthe pressure in your eye. In some cases, yourdoctor may recommend laser or conventionalsurgery if eye drops are not effective.To prevent vision loss, it is important to takeyour eye drops exactly as prescribed even ifyou have no symptoms.More information• CNIBhttp://www.cnib.ca/glaucoma• Glaucoma Canadawww.glaucomacanada.com• Canadian Ophthalmological Society/ TheCanadian Glaucoma Societyhttp://www.eyesite.ca/cgs/info• The Canadian Association ofOptometristswww.opto.ca/en/public/04_eye_info/04_02_01_eye_diseases.asp#15• National Eye Institute, U.S. NationalInstitutes of Healthwww.nei.nih.gov/nehep/glaucoma.aspCopyright © 1996-2008 CNIB. All rights reserved.Created by AXS Biomedical Animation Studio. Inc.Sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Ophthalmology.page 3 of 3