Glaucoma

The second leading cause of irreversable blindness in the USA is glaucoma. The type we refer to here is Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. It is charadcterized by and increase in intraocular (eye) pressure, atrophy of the optic nerve and loss of peripheral vision. With these conditions present, vision is ultimately lost. Risk factors include: high intraocular pressure, aging, gamily history and race. Blacks have a 3-4 time higher risk. In addition, diabetes, hypertension,eye injury or surgery, history of steroid use, migraine headaches with peripheral vasospasm are all possible risk factors.