Open-angle glaucoma

13 March 2025

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. It is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, usually due to an increase in intraocular pressure. It is known as "the silent thief of sight" because in its early stages it presents no noticeable symptoms.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. In this condition, the eye's drainage system (trabecular meshwork) stops working efficiently, causing a buildup of aqueous humor and, consequently, an increase in intraocular pressure. Over time, this elevated pressure damages the optic nerve fibers, causing gradual loss of peripheral vision.

Some factors that may increase the risk of developing open-angle glaucoma include:

• Advanced age (those over 40 have a higher risk)
• Family history of glaucoma
• Ocular hypertension
• Diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• Long-term use of corticosteroids
• High myopia

Symptoms

In its early stages, open-angle glaucoma does not cause pain or visible changes in vision. However, as it progresses, it can cause:

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision (like looking through a tunnel).
• Difficulty seeing in low light.
• Blind spots in the visual field. If left untreated, the disease can progress to complete vision loss.
  

Treatment

Treatment aims to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Options include:

• Medications (eye drops): help reduce aqueous humor production or improve its drainage.
• Laser (trabeculoplasty): facilitates drainage of ocular fluid.
• Surgery: In advanced cases, procedures such as trabeculectomy can be performed to create new drainage pathways.