Glaucoma is typically caused by a failure of the eye to maintain an adequate balance between the amount of internal fluid produced and the amount that drains away. However, the underlying reasons for this imbalance are dependent upon the type of glaucoma you have. For example, normal-tension or low-tension glaucoma is mainly caused by migraines, Raynaud’s phenomenon, or chronic low vascular perfusion. Something like acute angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, is usually caused by pupillary block and plateau iris. For this reason, we’ll be exploring the main types of glaucoma and the primary risk factors associated with each type.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Normal-tension glaucoma is a form of glaucoma in which damage occurs to the optic nerve without eye pressure exceeding the normal range. Some of the most common causes of normal-tension glaucoma include the following:

• Chronic low vascular perfusion: Decreased blood flood in various segments of the eye, such as the retina.
• Raynaud’s Phenomenon: A disease characterized by a sudden shutting off of the blood supply, particularly to extremities.
• Migraine: Recurrent throbbing headache that has been associated with a higher risk of open-angle glaucoma, such as normal-tension glaucoma.

Congenital Glaucoma

Congenital glaucoma, also known as pediatric or infantile glaucoma, is a rare type of glaucoma that occurs in babies and young children. It is usually diagnosed within the first year of life. As far as causes go, this condition may either be inherited or occur as a result of the incorrect development of the eyes’ drainage system before birth. Generally speaking, if a baby’s eye cells and tissues don’t grow like they should prior to birth, they can be expected to have problems with drainage after they’re born.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma, also referred to as acute glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma, is a type of glaucoma that happens when your iris blocks the drainage angle in your eye. It may be easier to think of it like sliding a piece of paper over a sink drain. Once the drainage angle is completely blocked, eye pressure begins to rise, and this is considered a medical emergency. Some health conditions that have been known to cause angle-closure glaucoma include the following:

• Cataracts: Certain rare forms of cataracts, a medical condition in which the lens becomes progressively cloudy, can result in elevated eye pressure and damage to the optic nerve.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that can result in damage to the blood vessels in your retina and a blockage of your eyes’ natural drainage system.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye that can lead to elevated intraocular pressure.

Other general risk factors for all types of glaucoma include high blood pressure, a family history of glaucoma, old age, previous eye injury, and severe myopia (nearsightedness). As previously stated, there is no known way of preventing glaucoma; however, early diagnosis and treatment can prove beneficial in preventing vision loss. For more information regarding glaucoma treatment in Land O’Lakes, please get in touch with a member of our team at Florida Eye Center.