Types of glaucoma
Types of glaucoma. Although there are several classifications of glaucoma, the most widespread is based on the amplitude of the iridocorneal angle of the anterior chamber (angle between the cornea and the iris). This classification distinguishes between open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma.
OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common. It usually appears from the age of 50-60, its evolution is slow and it does not present symptoms until advanced stages in which a loss of vision occurs. In this type of glaucoma, the angle formed by the cornea with the iris is open, but there are difficulties in the drainage of the aqueous humor that cause an increase in intraocular pressure, damaging the optic nerve.
Those with a family history of glaucoma are more likely to suffer from it. Other risk factors that can trigger this disease are high myopia, hypertension and hypotension or type 2 diabetes.
ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA
Angle-closure glaucoma, also called narrow-angle glaucoma, is rare. However, despite its low incidence, it is an acute form of glaucoma that carries a high risk of vision loss, so it should be considered a medical emergency.
It is caused by a narrowing or closure of the iridocorneal angle, through which the aqueous humor is eliminated. When this drainage system fails, the aqueous humor accumulates and produces a sudden and abrupt increase in intraocular pressure.
Based on another classification of glaucoma depending on its origin, a distinction can be made between primary glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.
This second type of glaucoma can occur as a result of the evolution of other pathologies, whether ocular or systemic, trauma, or the growth of new blood vessels (neovascularization), among other causes.
Finally, varieties of glaucoma can also be differentiated according to the time at which the disease appears: congenital, infantile, juvenile and adult glaucoma.
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