Open-angle glaucoma creates a risk of blindness if it is not treated in time. The problem is that it rarely produces symptoms and that is why it often goes unnoticed.
Open-angle glaucoma is an eye disease that can lead to blindness. It causes damage to the optic nerve that causes loss of the visual field. On many occasions it is associated with increased pressure in the eye, but it can also occur with normal pressure.
There is open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma, but the most common is the former. It is estimated that it corresponds to 90% of the total cases. Depending on the region, it can be the second or fourth cause of blindness in the world.
Open-angle glaucoma is also called primary or chronic glaucoma . It runs slowly and throughout life. For a long time it progresses without presenting symptoms and often goes unnoticed.
Possible causes of open-angle glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma, in most cases, occurs when the drainage channels of the eye become blocked. This leads to increased intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve.
The eye’s drainage system forms an angle from the iris to the cornea. From there it is connected to the outside by conduits. In people with this type of glaucoma the angle is open, but there is no proper drainage.
The reasons for poor drainage have to do with the ducts being clogged or too narrow. As the fluid does not drain out, the pressure in the eye increases and this damages the optic nerve. Therefore, the ability to see is diminished.
Some people have an optic nerve that is more susceptible to pressure in the eye. Africans are at higher risk of developing this disease. Also those over 60, especially of Latino origin, and those who have a family history or suffer from diabetes.
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