Types of Glaucoma


Glaucoma can be categorised in many ways including:

  • Chronic - Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) - this is the most common type of glaucoma and leads to a slow, painless loss of vision.
  • Acute - Severe pain is associated with this type of glaucoma.  Eyes become red and eye pressure suddenly increases.  Emergency treatment is usually required.
  • Normal-tension or Low-tension - This type of glaucoma is caused by poor blood flow and not increased eye pressure. 
  • Exfoliation Syndrome - This is a type of open angle glaucoma caused by a build up of abnormal, flaky material on the eye lens.  This material together with pigment from the back of the iris, blocks the drainage system of the eye, and this leads to increased eye pressure. 
  • Pigmentary - This type of glaucoma is primarily due to pigment particles accumulating in the drainage system of the eye, causing it to become blocked by interfering with the outflow of aqueous fluid.  Eye pressure then increases.  This type of glaucoma is usually detected quite easily.
  • Congenital - This type of glaucoma is present at birth but is very rare.

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