What causes glaucoma?

The main cause is an increase in intraocular pressure, which occurs due to a failure in the drainage of the eye's internal fluid (aqueous humor). This elevated pressure progressively damages the optic nerve.

What are the first symptoms of glaucoma?

Open-angle glaucoma is asymptomatic in the early stages. There is no pain or redness. The first noticeable symptom is usually the gradual loss of peripheral vision, when the disease is already in an advanced stage.

How to avoid glaucoma?

There is no way to prevent the onset of the disease. The best prevention against visual loss is early detection through annual ophthalmological exams, especially after age 40.

Does normal eye pressure mean I don't have glaucoma?

Not necessarily. There is Normal Tension Glaucoma, where optic nerve damage occurs even with pressure at levels considered adequate. This is why evaluating the optic nerve is as important as measuring the pressure.

Understand the Disease

What is Glaucoma?
The Silent Eye Disease

Known as the "silent thief of sight", glaucoma is a severe eye disease, yet highly controllable when diagnosed early.

Schedule Evaluation Types and Symptoms

Early Diagnosis

Prevention is the only way to avoid visual loss.

Optic Nerve Damage

Why is Glaucoma Dangerous?

Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve — the structure responsible for sending images from the eye to the brain. If not treated appropriately, this damage results in irreversible vision loss, usually starting with peripheral vision.

In the vast majority of cases, it is associated with increased intraocular pressure. The greatest danger of glaucoma is its asymptomatic nature in the early stages. The disease progresses slowly, completely painlessly.

Classification

Main Types of Glaucoma

There are different presentations of the disease, each requiring a specific therapeutic approach.

Open-Angle

It is the most common type (about 90% of cases). The drainage of eye fluid becomes inefficient over time, causing a gradual and painless increase in pressure.

Closed-Angle

More rare and frequently an emergency. A sudden blockage of drainage occurs, causing intense pain and sudden blurred vision.

Normal Tension

Damage to the optic nerve occurs even with intraocular pressure within normal limits, usually due to problems with ocular blood flow.

Secondary

Caused by other conditions, such as eye trauma, inflammations (uveitis), or prolonged and indiscriminate use of corticosteroid eye drops.

Full Attention

Risk Factors

Family history First-degree relatives with glaucoma increase the risk.
Advanced age The risk increases progressively after age 40.
Race African or Hispanic descent present a higher prevalence.
High Myopia and Systemic Conditions Diabetes, hypertension, and high myopia can predispose to the disease.

What are the Symptoms?

Open-angle glaucoma presents no symptoms in its initial phase. Visual loss occurs in the periphery of the visual field. Without routine exams, the patient will only notice the disease when central vision is affected.

In cases of acute crisis (closed-angle), the symptoms are immediate:

• Severe eye pain and redness.
• Blurred vision and colored halos.
• Headache accompanied by nausea.