Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the build-up of fluid and pressure inside an eye. Aqueous fluid, which fills the space at the front of the eye just behind the cornea, is made behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) in the ciliary body. It flows through the pupil (the dark hole in the center of the iris), and drains from the ‘anterior chamber angle,’ which is the junction between the edge of the iris and the cornea. If this outflow of liquid is impaired at all, there is a build-up of pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve, which carries visual images to the brain. The result is a loss of peripheral vision. Thus, while glaucoma sufferers may be able to read the smallest line on the vision test, they may find it difficult to move around without bumping into things or to see moving objects to the side, such as cars.
Associations/Groups:
The Glaucoma Foundation
Provides information about glaucoma, treatment, support groups and research.
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 700
New York, NY 10038
Phone: 212-285-0080
Email: info@glaucomafoundation.org
Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF)
Has information on types of glaucoma, care and treatment, support and research.
Free “Gleams” newsletter subscription
251 Post Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: 415-986-3162
Email: grf@glaucoma.org
Prevent Blindness America
Information on eye health and safety, vision screening, research and support.
211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 800-331-2020
American Glaucoma Society
Has glaucoma basics and frequently asked questions for patients and patient resources.
655 Beach Street
San Francisco CA 94109
Phone: 415-561-8587
Email: ags@aao.org
Other Information:
Facts About Glaucoma – National Eye Institute
This information was developed by the National Eye Institute to help patients and their families search for general information about glaucoma.
Glaucoma – American Optometric Association
Causes, diagnosis and treatment.
5 Common Glaucoma Tests
Tests for glaucoma are part of a comprehensive eye examination. A simple and painless procedure called tonometry measures the internal pressure of the eye.
Diagnosing Glaucoma
Your eye doctor has a variety of diagnostic tools which aid in determining whether or not you have glaucoma — even before you have any symptoms. Let us explore these tools and what they do.
Tests for glaucoma are part of a comprehensive eye examination. A simple and painless procedure called tonometry measures the internal pressure of the eye.
Fact Sheet last updated on: 3/22/2023
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