There are several different glaucoma types. The most common include open angle glaucoma, angle closure glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma. Although the severity of the disease varies depending on the type, it is necessary to seek help from an eye care professional to control and prevent the damage caused by glaucoma in any form.

Primary open angle glaucoma (also known as chronic glaucoma) mainly affects adults over age 35. This is the most common type of glaucoma, affecting about 1 percent of people in the United States. In most cases, by the time open angle glaucoma is detected, it has already begun doing damage.

Closed-angle glaucoma, a rare form of the disease accounting for just 15 percent of all glaucoma cases in the country, is caused by a structural defect within the eye that creates a narrow angle between the iris and cornea. If the iris slips forward, it may block the fluid drainage angle. This condition can be triggered by medications that dilate the pupil, such as antihistamines and tricyclic antidepressants. It can also occur naturally, when the eye dilates in low light. People who suffer from hyperopia (farsightedness) are at a heightened risk for acute closed-angle glaucoma because their eyes have narrow drainage angles. Closed-angle glaucoma produces symptoms of severe eye pain, blurred or haloed vision, nausea, vomiting, and headache.
If you have these symptoms, you need to seek treatment immediately. This is a medical emergency. If your doctor is unavailable, go to the nearest hospital or clinic. Without treatment to improve the flow of fluid, the eye can become blind in as few as one or two days.

In low tension or normal tension glaucoma, optic nerve damage and narrowed side vision (peripheral vision) occur in people with normal eye pressure. Lowering eye pressure at least 30 percent through medicines slows the disease in some people. Glaucoma may worsen in others despite low pressures. A comprehensive medical history is important in identifying other potential risk factors, such as low blood pressure, that contribute to low tension glaucoma.

In congenital glaucoma, children are born with a defect in the angle of the eye that slows down the normal drainage of fluid. These children usually have obvious symptoms, such as cloudy eyes, sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing. Conventional surgery is typically the suggested treatment, because glaucoma medications may have unknown effects in infants and can be difficult to administer. Surgery is safe and effective. If surgery is done promptly, these children usually have an excellent chance of having good vision.

Secondary glaucoma can develop as a complication resulting from other medical conditions. This type of glaucoma is sometimes associated with: Eye surgery (such as cataract surgery) Advanced cataracts Eye injuries Certain eye tumors Uveitis (eye inflammation).

Pigmentary glaucoma occurs when pigment from the iris flakes off and blocks the meshwork, slowing down fluid drainage. A severe form, called neovascular glaucoma, is linked to diabetes. Corticosteroid drugs used to treat eye inflammation and other diseases can trigger steroid-induced glaucoma in some people.