Description

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, second only to cataracts as the most common cause of blindness. Glaucoma affects about 70 million people worldwide, over 6.7 million of whom are bilaterally blind. As the American population ages, the risk of developing glaucoma is rapidly increasing. By the year 2020, glaucoma is projected to affect 3.4 million people. Several types of glaucoma exist, and there is much debate about their classification. There are open angle glaucomas without other known ocular or systemic disorders; angle closure glaucomas without other known ocular or systemic disorders; developmental or congenital glaucomas; and glaucomas associated with other ocular and systemic disorders (disorders of the retina, choroid, or vitreous; intraocular tumors; inflammation; steroid-induced disorders; trauma; hemorrhage; iatrogenic disorders; and postoperative disorders). This suite discusses the pathophysiology and epidemiology of various types of glaucoma, as well as common diagnostic tests and the currently available pharmacological and surgical treatment options.