When you hear about glaucoma, you may not realize that there are so many different types of the disease. Most types of glaucoma are accompanied with an increased pressure in the inner eye. This is often referred to as intraocular pressure. Even though that’s what people typically think of when talking about this disease, there are several varieties of the condition.

  1. Angle-Closure: One of the main types of the disease, angle-closure glaucoma results when the angle between the cornea and iris starts to close. The symptoms and damage associated with this type are usually noticeable and requires immediate medical attention. Blocked drainage canals produce a quick rise in intraocular pressure.
  2. Open-Angle: The most common type of this condition, open-angle glaucoma has very few symptoms in its early stages. However, there could still be damage done to the eye. The drainage canals slowly become blocked, which makes this a lifelong condition.
  3. Congenital: This form of the disease is found in babies who have incomplete development of the drainage canals. This rare condition could be hereditary.
  4. Traumatic: After an eye injury takes place, the drainage canals may immediately or eventually become blocked. This could create an increased intraocular pressure, which you should address as quickly as possible with your optometrist.
  5. Normal-Tension: Another rarer form of the disease, normal-tension glaucoma is not associated with high pressure in the eye. Even so, the optic nerves are damaged.

If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your eye doctor in The Villages, FL, can give you more information about recommended treatment. The treatment regimen you pursue may vary based on your exact case of the condition. Having regular eye exams may make it easier for your doctor to both diagnose and treat this and other eye issues. To schedule your next eye exam, call (352) 674-3937 or submit an online contact form while you are here on the website.