Monnett Eye & Optical Center

Open Angle Glaucoma


Glaucoma is often called "the sneak thief of sight." This is because, in most cases of glaucoma the intraocular pressure of the eye can build up and destroy sight without causing obvious symptoms.

Glaucoma is a disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, leading to progressive, irreversible loss of vision. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye. There are two main types of glaucoma:Open-angle glaucoma and Closed-angle glaucoma.

Narrow angle Glaucoma accounts for 90% of glaucoma cases in the United States. It is painless and does not have acute attacks. The only signs are gradually progressive visual field loss, and optic nerve changes (increased cup-to-disc ratio on fundoscopic examination).

The exact cause of primary open-angle glaucoma is unknown.

Care of open-angle glaucoma:
The staff at Monnett Eye Center will prescribe medicine to help in lowering the pressure inside your eye, properly applying the medication and complying with treatment instructions are very important.

Not doing so could result in an additional increase in intraocular pressure that can further affect the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss.