Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Australia. Most at risk are people over 40 years, people related to someone with glaucoma or people who are diabetics. Glaucoma is not contagious. The fluid drains away through outflow channels near the front of the eye into the bloodstream. This fluid has nothing to do with tears.
Eye pressure is considered normal when the amount of fluid produced equals the amount draining away.
If the fluid cannot escape, or too much fluid is produced, then pressure in the eye rises. 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 .