Fluid continues to be produced by the eye but is unable to flow freely out. As a result, the restricted fluid flow can cause a buildup of fluid and an increase in the pressure inside the eye called increased Intraocular pressure (IOP). In time, this increased pressure may damage the optic nerve at the back of the eye, which can cause loss of vision. If the nerve and in some cases, eventually lead to total blindness. Doctors have had significant success in treating and controlling glaucoma through the consistent use of medicine to lower the pressure in the eye.

Although there are other forms of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma is by far the most common form however, it is believed to develop because the eye’s drainage canals gradually, over time, become partially clogged or obstructed. The entrance to the canal appears open (hence the name), but further downstream, something is blocking the free flow of the fluid out of the eye. People with this type of glaucoma usually have no symptoms at first and seldom notice any change in their vision. Doctors discover it during an eye exam when they measure the pressure of the eye and examine the optic nerve in the back of the eye with a light scope. Generally, this type of glaucoma progresses very slowly and is usually treated with medicine. It is important to note, however, that control of your condition is greatly dependent on your faithfully following your treatment instructions. If not treated, the risk of high Intraocular pressure causing progressive damage to the optic nerve increases. This can gradually reduce your field of vision - starting with loss of peripheral, or side, vision. Ultimately, this loss of vision can extend to larger areas of vision and may lead to total blindness. The status of your condition will be monitored by visual field analysis and retinal tomography.