Types of Glaucoma
Although there are several types of glaucoma, there are 2 main types: open-angle and angle-closure.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma (also called primary or chronic glaucoma) is the most common form of glaucoma, accounting for 90% of all glaucoma cases.
It occurs when there’s a slow blockage of the drainage canals, preventing the fluid in your eyes (aqueous humour) from draining and causing your intraocular pressure to slowly rise. This condition rarely exhibits symptoms in its early stages, so many patients don’t realize they have a problem until they’ve experienced vision loss.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma (also called acute glaucoma or narrow-angle) is less common than open-angle and occurs when the eye’s drainage canals close, resulting in a sudden rise in intraocular pressure. Some people have narrow drainage angles, which puts them at an increased risk of developing this type of glaucoma.
Angle-closure glaucoma can be chronic, developing slowly over time, or acute. When angle-closure glaucoma is acute, it’s considered a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention to prevent vision loss.
Angle-closure glaucoma may occur suddenly (acute angle-closure glaucoma) or gradually (chronic angle-closure glaucoma). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency.
Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma occur suddenly and damage can happen quickly:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Rainbow halos around bright lights
- Severe eye pain
- Sudden and severe headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden sight loss
