For more information, contact your eye care professional. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve and result in loss of vision. The most common type of glaucoma is chronic glaucoma. With chronic glaucoma, the fluid in the eye drains from the eye less efficiently, resulting in a gradual increase of pressure within the eye. Over a period of time, this increased pressure results in optic nerve damage and distorted vision.
Chronic glaucoma is more common with aging and is seen primarily in patients over fifty years old.
The damage to the vision can be gradual and painless, so the person may be unaware of the condition. For this reason, it is important that everyone have their eye pressure checked during yearly eye exams. Once the condition is diagnosed, it can be managed with eye drops that lower pressure or a surgical procedure if necessary. For more information, contact your eye care professional. Chronic glaucoma, in which pressure inside the eye gradually increases, is often treated with pills or medicated eye drops.