Causes of Glaucoma


Glaucoma is caused by a mechanical compression and/or decreased blood flow through the optic nerve.  The anterior chamber of the eye requires fluid to flow in and out so that the surrounding tissue can be nourished.  The lack of blood flow and fluid draining from the eye drainage system at the angle where the iris and the cornea meet, leads to an increase in eye pressure by a build up of aqueous humour.  The aqueous humour is a fluid naturally and continuously produced in the front of the eye and this build up is called ocular hypertension.  This causes glaucoma because the optic nerve and other parts of the eye become damaged and it can cause a loss of vision.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

In primary open-angle glaucoma, the drainage angle formed by the cornea and the iris remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes obstructed.  This means that the aqueous humour drains out too slowly and pressure builds.  Optic nerve damage is painless and slow and often unnoticed until a lot of damage has been done.  The cause of primary open-angle glaucoma is unknown.

Closed-Angle Glaucoma

Closed-angle glaucoma causes a sudden increase in eye pressure and is caused by a blocked or narrowed drainage angle in the eye.  Some people have a naturally narrow drainage angle, which doesn’t cause any problems.  When the narrowing is due to glaucoma, it may be sudden or gradual.


Causes of glaucoma include:

  • Surgical eye procedures
  • Uveitis
  • Diabetes
  • Severe glaucomas
  • Eye tumour
  • Eye damage or injury
  • Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome

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