Different Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma can be classified into several medically defined types, depending on the form of the disease present. In this article, we provide an overview of the different types of glaucoma. If glaucoma is left untreated—regardless of the type—it can eventually lead to blindness.

The Eye Center at Batal Specialized Complex in Saudi Arabia offers some of the best available care for glaucoma patients, provided by highly experienced and skilled ophthalmologists.

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Main Types of Glaucoma

The primary types of glaucoma include:

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Most glaucoma cases are open-angle glaucoma, accounting for about 90% of all diagnoses. In this condition, the drainage channels that meet the optic nerve at the entrance to the brain become blocked. This blockage raises intraocular pressure and significantly disrupts the normal fluid outflow that nourishes different parts of the eye.

A person may feel fine and notice no changes in vision at first, but vision loss will occur over time if the condition is not treated. When detected early, open-angle glaucoma often responds well to specific medications. It is crucial to follow the prescribed treatment consistently to maintain healthy eye pressure and prevent vision loss.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma is another common form of the disease. It is also known as narrow-angle glaucoma or closed-angle glaucoma. Intraocular pressure may rise suddenly or increase gradually over time.

When eye pressure increases rapidly (a condition referred to as acute angle-closure glaucoma), symptoms can include eye pain, blurry vision, seeing halos or colored rings around lights, eye redness, and nausea or vomiting. An acute attack can cause permanent, irreversible damage to vision.

Chronic angle-closure glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms and may only be discovered during a routine annual eye exam. Treatment may include a laser procedure that creates a small opening at the outer edge of the iris using advanced laser technology. Other treatment options can include prescription medications that help lower intraocular pressure.

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Other Forms of Glaucoma

Most of the other recognized forms of glaucoma are related to either open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma and may affect one or both eyes.

At the Eye Center in Batal Specialized Complex in Saudi Arabia, highly experienced ophthalmologists are available and extensively trained to perform comprehensive eye examinations using the latest diagnostic technologies.

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