Glaucoma

There are several different types of glaucoma, which can have different symptoms, causes and treatments.

The main types include:

• primary open angle glaucoma the most common typethat oftenhas few symptoms
• primary angle closure glaucoma a less common type that can cause sudden, severe symptoms
• secondary glaucoma an uncommon type caused by another eye condition
• childhood glaucoma a rare type that affects babies and young children

Primary open angle glaucoma

Primary open angle glaucoma, sometimes called chronic open angle glaucoma, is the most common type.

In this type of glaucoma, the part of the eye where fluid drains away (called the "angle") isn't blocked, but the fluid doesn't drain properly. This leads to increased pressure in the eye.

The condition usually develops very slowly over many years and doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms at first.

People oftendon't realise they have it because the outer areas of vision (peripheral vision) are affected first. Without treatment, vision towards the centre of the eye may also be lost.

Primary open angle glaucoma is usually picked up during a routine eye test, which you should have at least every two years. Visit an opticians or your GP if you're worried about any changes in your vision.

Primary angle closure glaucoma

Primary angle closure glaucoma is a less common type that occurs when the part of the eye that drains fluid becomes blocked, causing pressure to build up in the eye.

Itoccasionally developsslowly over time, but often it causes sudden, severe symptoms.

Symptoms can include:

• intense eye pain
• a Red eye
• a headache
• tenderness around the eyes
• seeing halos or "rainbow-like" rings around lights
• blurredvision
• feeling and being sick

Sometimes these symptomsmay last for a few hours before disappearing.

If you experience sudden symptoms, go to your nearest eye casualty unit or accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible. This is a medical emergency that may require immediate treatment.

Secondary glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma is an uncommon type of glaucoma caused by another eye problem.

Causes include uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye), eye injuries and certain treatments, such as medication or operations.

The symptoms can vary considerably, and may include:

• gradual loss of peripheral vision
• blurred vision
• seeing halos or "rainbow-like" rings around lights
• eye pain
• a red eye

Visit an opticians or your GP if you're worried about any changes in your vision.Go to your nearest eye casualty unit or accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible if you have severesymptoms that occurred suddenly.

Childhood glaucoma

Childhood glaucoma, also called congenital or developmental glaucoma, is a type of glaucoma that affects babies and young children.

It's usuallythe result ofa problem in the development of the eyes, which causes fluid and pressure to build up inside them.

Spotting thecondition can be difficult, but your child may have some of the following symptoms:

• larger eyes than usual
• dislike of bright lights
• uncontrollable blinking
• red, watery or cloudy eyes
• rubbingtheir eyes frequently

Visit an opticiansor your GP if you notice any of these symptoms in your child.