Are there different types of Glaucoma?

Open angle Glaucoma

This is the most common type of glaucoma and is also known as ‘Primary’ or ‘Chronic Open Angle’ Glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage system appears to be open but is not functioning properly, gradually increasing the pressure inside the eye. The damage progresses slowly and peripheral vision is gradually affected.

Closed Angle Glaucoma

This type is less common and is also known as ‘acute’ or ‘narrow angle glaucoma’. It causes a sudden increase in pressure inside the eye. Patients experience symptoms such as headaches, eye pain, nausea and halos around lights.

Normal tension Glaucoma

This is also known as low-tension glaucoma and is characterised by damage to the optic nerve with associated vision loss despite a normal eye pressure (intra-ocular pressure).

Congenital Glaucoma

This type of glaucoma occurs in babies and presents within the first 12 months of life. It is can be inherited and is caused by incorrect development of the eyes drainage system before birth.

Secondary Glaucoma

This type of Glaucoma occurs as a result of other disorders of the eye such as cataracts, inflammation of the eye or trauma.