glaucoma

glaucoma A common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the eye. If untreated, glaucoma may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, causing the loss of vision or even blindness. There are no symptoms in the early stages of glaucoma. As the disease progresses the field of vision narrows, and blindness may eventually result. There are several types of glaucoma, including open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma. Openangle glaucoma is the common adult-onset type of glaucoma. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a less common form of glaucoma, but one that can rapidly impair vision. Glaucoma treatment may include medication, surgery, or laser surgery.