Types of Glaucoma
Open angle glaucoma is the most common type. Although the anterior chamber of the eye looks normal, aqueous fluids build here, putting pressure on the optic nerve. This can result in injury to the optic nerve and retina.
Another form of glaucoma, called acute angle glaucoma, only occurs about 10 percent of glaucoma patients. Usually the space between the cornea and iris is thinner than normal, diminishing the amount of aqueous that can flow through it. If it becomes completely blocked, intense eye pain, distorted vision, rainbows around lights and queasiness may occur.
Complete blindness can result in just a few days if not treated immediately. Secondary glaucoma is contracted as the result of some other medical condition like diabetes or eye trauma. Congenital glaucoma is very rare, seen only in infants and nearly always requiring surgery to correct.
