Pressure against the nerve fibres and blood vessels feeding the retina and the optic nerve gradually destroy the side vision. Early detection and treatment are essential to save the remaining sight as lost sight cannot be restored. There are several forms of Glaucoma. The most common form is Open-angle Glaucoma . The pressure in the eye builds up over a long period of time with no warning signs or symptoms.
Early diagnosis is important to provide treatment and to conserve sight.
A less common form is Acute Angle-closure Glaucoma . A rapid increase of pressure in the eye is accompanied by blurred vision, severe pain, rainbow haloes around lights, nausea and vomiting. Immediate intervention by the ophthalmologist is needed. Unless the pressure is quickly relieved, blindness will result. Congenital Glaucoma occurs in infants.