It happens so slowly that you may lose vision before you're even aware of a problem. This causes pressure in the eye to gradually increase. The drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris remains open, but the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease. Types of glaucoma include: Open-angle glaucoma In some people, scientists have identified genes related to high eye pressure and optic nerve damage. When fluid is overproduced or the drainage system doesn't work properly, the fluid can't flow out at its normal rate and eye pressure increases. This internal fluid normally drains out through a tissue called the trabecular meshwork at the angle where the iris and cornea meet.
For reasons that doctors don't fully understand, this nerve damage is usually related to increased pressure in the eye.Įlevated eye pressure is due to a buildup of a fluid (aqueous humor) that flows throughout the inside of your eye.
As this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in your visual field. Glaucoma is the result of damage to the optic nerve. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Causes
