The two main categories of glaucoma are open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. The angle in both cases refers to the internal drainage angle of the eye that controls the outflow of fluid continuously produced within the eye.

If the fluid manages to access the drainage angle, we are dealing with open angle glaucoma. If the drainage angle is blocked and the fluid does not reach it, it is a closed-angle glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma is considered the most common form of presentation of this disease.

Open-angle glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight,” since, in most cases, no pain or other symptoms occur until a significant level of permanent vision loss is reached. usually several years after the onset of the disease.

Untreated glaucoma then progresses undetectably until the damage to the optic nerve is irreversible, causing permanent vision loss to varying degrees.

On the other hand, acute angle-closure glaucoma is usually accompanied by sudden symptoms such as blurred vision, visualization of halos surrounding lights, intense eye pain, nausea and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, be sure to visit a healthcare professional or visit the emergency room immediately, so that appropriate measures can be taken in time to avoid permanent vision loss that can occur within hours.

During routine eye exams, a tonometer is used to measure intraocular pressure, or IOP. An abnormally high IOP indicates that there is a problem with the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) inside the eye. The cause of the rise in pressure is that the drainage of the internal fluid (aqueous humor) is not effective.

Other forms of glaucoma monitoring include the use of sophisticated imaging technologies—such as optical coherence tomography (OCT)—that create reference images, measurements of the eye's optic nerve and other internal structures. Then, at set periods of time, new images and measurements are taken to ensure that no changes have occurred over time that indicate the progression of damage from possible glaucoma.

Another important diagnostic tool for the detection and monitoring of glaucoma is the computerized visual field test. This test is usually repeated from time to time to ensure that the patient does not develop blind spots that indicate damage to the optic nerve or to determine the progress and extent of vision loss due to glaucoma.

Treatment may include medication, laser procedures, or surgery, depending on the severity of the glaucoma. Eye drops are usually used for the initial control of glaucoma to reduce IOP. These medications should generally be used permanently and for life. Patients must attend check-ups periodically (every 3 to 6 months).

Since chronic glaucoma is a condition that does not cause pain, it can often lead to carelessness in the seriousness with which the patient follows the instructions on the use of eye drops, which help control intraocular pressure and avoid permanent damage. In fact, the main cause of blindness from glaucoma is due to lack of adherence to medication treatment.

If you feel discomfort or discomfort when using glaucoma drops, never stop using them without first consulting your eye care professional about an alternative therapy.