Glaucoma

Alternative names:

acute glaucoma; chronic glaucoma; closed angle glaucoma; congenital glaucoma; open angle glaucoma; secondary glaucoma

Prevention:

In most cases, there is no prevention for the development of glaucoma. If detected early, further vision loss and blindness may be prevented with treatment.

Careful use of dilating eye drops and systemic anticholinergic medications may prevent acute attacks in high risk individuals.

Anyone over 35 years of age should have tonometry (a check of intraocular pressure) and ophthalmoscopic examinations every 2 years. More frequent examination is indicated when a family history of glaucoma is present.