David Lotufo, MD, answers questions about Open Angle Glaucoma

Open angle glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, the fibers inside the eye that carry visual images to the brain. This type of glaucoma is treatable if caught in its early stages. If left undiagnosed, the disease can lead to total blindness.

Inside the eye is a fluid called the aqueous humor. The aqueous humor flows behind the iris and through the pupil. It goes out of the eye through the drainage area located between the iris and the cornea. When the drainage system does not work properly, fluid builds up creating high pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve. This damage sometimes occurs even when the pressure is not high. When the optic nerve fibers are damaged, blind spots occur.

What are the symptoms?

In most cases a person with open angle glaucoma does not experience any discomfort and is unaware of any change in vision. Very late in the disease, loss of peripheral vision (the outer part of the field of vision) may be noticeable.

What is the treatment?

Initially, open angle glaucoma is treated with eye drops that reduce the pressure inside the eye. In cases where eye drops are unsuccessful, laser treatment or surgery is recommended to reduce the pressure in the eye. Damage caused by glaucoma usually is not reversible.  Patients normally continue using eye drops the rest of their lives to preserve existing vision and prevent further vision loss. 

How can open angle glaucoma be prevented?

All adults should have eye examinations that include specific tests for glaucoma since the risk of glaucoma increases with age. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to preventing vision loss. 

Find out more about the Glaucoma Service at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates