Vision Loss Caused by Open Angle Glaucoma
Introduction Open angle glaucoma is a chronic eye condition in which the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) gradually rises, damaging the optic nerve and leading to vision loss. It is the most common form of glaucoma. Open angle glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting an estimated 3 million Americans and more than 60 million people globally. It is more common in older adults and in people of African descent. The optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged by the increased pressure inside the eye. This damage leads to a gradual loss of peripheral vision (also known as "side vision") and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to blindness. Open angle glaucoma is often referred to as "the silent thief of sight" because it often has no early symptoms. Difference Between Open and Closed Angle Glaucoma The main difference between open angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma is the way in which the...