Glaucoma is a medical condition that can silently affect the eye condition of a person without any warning.
This medical condition is also known as the ‘silent thief of sight’ because it has no noticeable symptoms
Individuals with this condition have damage to their optic nerve due to the build-up of fluid in their eyes.
There are several types of Glaucoma, namely, open and closed-angle Glaucoma, Congenital, and Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma.
This article will discuss the above-mentioned types of Glaucoma.
Exploring the Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious optical condition that can eventually lead to vision loss.
However, the condition can be divided into Primary and Secondary types based on occurrence.
Open Angle Glaucoma is one of the most common types of Glaucoma and is Primary Glaucoma.
Closed Angle Glaucoma and Congenital Glaucoma also fall under the category of Primary Glaucoma.
Secondary Glaucoma are uncommon and usually include Neovascular, Pigmentary, Exfoliative, and Traumatic Glaucoma.
This section will discuss these several types of Glaucoma in detail.
If you want to know more about the causes of eye problems, read 10 Prime Causes Of Eye Disorders.
Open Angle Glaucoma
According to a study, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma is one of the most common forms of Glaucoma.
In this particular type of Glaucoma, the increase in the eye pressure happens slowly over time.
The increase in eye pressure causes damage to the optic nerves, which results in blind spots in a person’s vision.
The Open Angle Glaucoma is usually passed down in one’s family and is common among people of African descent.
Are you wondering about the symptoms of Glaucoma? Read Unveiling the Signs: Glaucoma Symptoms, Types, and Early Detection.
our article on Glaucoma Symptoms to learn more about them.
Closed Angle Glaucoma
Source: DawnPolandClosed Angle Glaucoma is also known as Narrow Angle Glaucoma or Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma.
In this form of Glaucoma, the eye fluid suddenly gets blocked and cannot flow out from the eyes.
Its inability to flow out often causes a instant and severe rise in the pressure in the eye.
This form of Glaucoma is considered an emergency since a person can get it in another eye if they already have it in one.
Research states that the average age to experience this Glaucoma is 60.
However, it becomes more common after that age and happens due to the increasing size of the lens with age.
To better understand the difference between closed and open-angle Glaucoma, read Open vs Closed Angle Glaucoma: What are the Differences Between Them.
Congenital Glaucoma
Congenital Glaucoma or Primary Congenital Glaucoma is a genetic disorder that happens to a child during birth.
A child with this particular type of Glaucoma usually has unnaturally large eyes.
An infant with Congenital Glaucoma may experience this type of Glaucoma within the first month after birth.
This condition often runs in families and happens when the eyes of the child do not develop normally.
To understand if Glaucoma is hereditary, read Is Glaucoma Hereditary? A Comprehensive Medical Analysis
Secondary Glaucoma
Unlike Primary Glaucoma, Secondary Glaucoma can be Open Angle or Closed Angle in nature.
It can happen in one or both eyes of a person and happens due to injury, medications, or diseases.
There are several types of Secondary Glaucoma, which are as follows:
- Neovascular Glaucoma: This form of Glaucoma happens when there is an unnatural formation of new blood vessels on one’s iris (the colored part of the eye) and over the eye’s drainage channels. According to a study, people with Diabetes are more likely to experience Neovascular Glaucoma.
- Pigmentary Glaucoma: This form of Glaucoma happens when pigment granules that are present at the back of one’s eyes mix with the clear fluid within the eye. Pigmentary Glaucoma is usually common in males.
- Exfoliative Glaucoma: In this form of Glaucoma, a dandruff-like material gets pilled off from the outer part of the lens in a person’s eye. This can block the eyes’ drainage system and cause pressure, which can cause problems with one’s vision.
- Traumatic Glaucoma: A person often experiences Traumatic Glaucoma due to an injury in their eyes. It is a form of open angle Glaucoma and can happen right after one gets the injury. In some cases, individuals might face the condition after several years.
Consulting with an eye specialist for an early diagnosis can help prevent Glaucoma.
To explore more prevention options, read How to Prevent Glaucoma? Effective Ways to Prevent Vision Loss.
Conclusion
Glaucoma is an eye disorder that can silently cause a person to lose their vision.
There are several types of Glaucoma, among which there are three types that are most commonly seen.
These three types of Glaucoma are Open Angle Glaucoma, Close Angle Glaucoma, and Congenital Glaucoma.
The form of Secondary Glaucoma can happen as a result of injuries, medications, or illness.
Some of the Secondary Glaucoma are Neovascular, Pigmentary, Exfoliative, and Traumatic Glaucoma.
If you are experiencing constant pain in the eyes, consult your doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of Glaucoma are there?
There are three main types of Primary Glaucoma which include Open Angle Glaucoma, Closed Angle Glaucoma, and Congenital Glaucoma. The four main types of Secondary Glaucoma are Neovascular, Pigmentary, Exfoliative, and Traumatic Glaucoma.
What are the types of Glaucoma?
The types of Glaucoma depend on the problems causing it. Hence, one can say that Open Angle and Closed Angle Glaucoma are two of the most common types. The other types usually include Congenital Glaucoma, Neovascular, and Exfoliative Glaucoma.
What are some symptoms of Glaucoma?
There are several symptoms a person may experience due to Glaucoma. These symptoms include headaches, pain or pressure in the eye, low or blurred vision, red eyes, nausea, and vomiting
Is there a permanent treatment for any type of Glaucoma?
No, there is no permanent treatment for any type of Glaucoma. However, if a person starts the treatment in the early stage, they can slow down the damage and protect one’s vision. Doctors usually suggest eye drops, oral medicines, or laser surgery as a form of Glaucoma treatment.
What is the most common type of Glaucoma?
The most common type of Glaucoma is Open Angle Glaucoma. In this form of Glaucoma, the damage happens slowly over time. The rise in eye pressure causes blind spots and can even lead to loss of vision in individuals.
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