Glaucoma

Glaucoma describes increased pressure within the eye caused by inadequate drainage of fluid within the eye. Glaucoma may be caused by inherited defects (primary glaucoma) in the drainage system of the eye or by secondary causes: trauma, infection, inflammation, lens luxation, and tumors. Glaucoma is a painful condition requiring emergency therapy to avoid blindness. Symptoms of glaucoma include: pain, obvious swelling of the eye, cloudy appearance to the surface of the eye, “red-eye”, and/or sudden blindness. Therapy for glaucoma is directed at improving drainage of the intraocular fluids to decrease the pressure within the eye. In cases non-responsive to medical therapy, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure within the eye. Primary glaucoma tends to affect both eyes; therefore, prophylactic therapy should be started in the other eye immediately. In cases of secondary glaucoma, the underlying cause must also be treated. Eyes severely affected by glaucoma may require enucleation (removal of the eye). Regular follow up appointments are necessary to measure eye pressures and monitor therapy.