“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Open-angle glaucoma is a type of eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can cause gradual vision loss. It is the most common type of glaucoma, affecting millions of people worldwide.
Open-angle glaucoma is caused by an increase in pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve over time. The disease is called "open-angle" because the angle between the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) appears normal, but the drainage channels that allow fluid to leave the eye become clogged, leading to increased IOP.
In the early stages, open-angle glaucoma may not produce any noticeable symptoms, but as the disease progresses, individuals may experience peripheral vision loss, blurred vision, and difficulty seeing in low light conditions.
Treatment for open-angle glaucoma typically involves lowering the IOP to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. This can be achieved through medication, such as eye drops, or through surgical procedures, such as laser trabeculoplasty or trabeculectomy. It is important for individuals with open-angle glaucoma to receive regular eye exams and to follow their treatment plan to prevent vision loss.
While there is no known cure for open-angle glaucoma, early detection and treatment can help preserve vision and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. It is important for individuals at risk for the disease, such as those with a family history of glaucoma or African Americans over the age of 40, to receive regular eye exams to detect the disease early.