In a person with normal vision and eyesight, the clear liquid in the eye flows in and out of the anterior chamber. This liquid nourishes the eye tissue. However, in people suffering from glaucoma the liquid is unable to flow and this creates a pressure to build up in the eye, which extremely leads to loss of vision or blindness.
The most common type of glaucoma is the open angle glaucoma. In this type, the fluid flow stops gradually because the canals get blocked. However, there is another type of glaucoma which is rather rare and is known as angle closure glaucoma. This is caused by complete blockage of the canal and this restrictions the immediate flow the liquid in the eye. People suffering from angle closure glaucoma experience a rapid rise in the eye pressure.
Another rare form of glaucoma is the normal tension glaucoma wherein the person sufferers from damage to the optic nerve and this in turn causes loss of vision although there is no blockage of the eye canals and no build up of pressure. There is not too much information on normal tension glaucoma but a general consensus shows that it is caused due to unusually delicate optic nerve or it can be inherited.
Most people do not realize that they are getting glaucoma. This is the reason why the condition goes undetected in hundreds of people and is only uncovered after they experience vision loss which is irreversible. That is why if you are suffering from eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, or seeing halos around lights, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist. This way the condition can be used early and proper treatment regimen can be started.
The most common treatment for angle closure glaucoma is surgery where a part of the iris is removed to relieve the pressure and to facilitate the flow of the liquid in the eye. Other treatments include using medicines and eye drops. Although there is no cure for glaucoma, the effects can be reduced if the condition is done early.