What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers that carries information from the eye to the brain. It can lead to vision loss and blindness. Although there is no cure, medications and surgery can help slow the disease’s progression. Learn about the signs and symptoms of glaucoma, treatments, prevention techniques, and ways to care for yourself or a loved one.
Program Impact
Accelerating Research Toward a Cure
National Glaucoma Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, funds a wide range of innovative scientific approaches that explore the root causes of this eye disease.
With our funding, scientists around the world are developing, testing, and investigating hundreds of ideas to prevent, treat, and cure glaucoma.
We’ve invested nearly $51 million in glaucoma research to date across 496 research grants.
Understanding Glaucoma
Types of Glaucoma
There are two main forms of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure. There are also several other less common forms of this eye disease, including normal-tension, childhood, and secondary glaucoma.
The most common types of glaucoma often have no symptoms until irreversible damage to the eye has already occurred and vision loss has begun. That’s why glaucoma is sometimes called the “sneak thief of sight,” and why regular screening and early detection are so important.
Learn about the different types of glaucoma:
Open-Angle Glaucoma
The most common form, affecting approximately 70-90% of people with the disease, open-angle glaucoma is a chronic, slowly progressing condition that has few or no symptoms until peripheral vision loss has already begun. In the U.S., this type impacts African American and Hispanic populations at higher rates than other ethnicities.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This second most common type of glaucoma is a largely inherited disorder caused by a narrow angle in the eye’s passageway where aqueous fluid would normally flow.
Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This type of glaucoma progresses more slowly and can damage the optic nerve without symptoms, similar to open-angle glaucoma.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This occurs suddenly when the flow of aqueous humor between the iris and the lens of the eye is blocked. This rare medical emergency must be treated immediately or blindness could result in a day or two.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
This form is very similar to primary open-angle glaucoma, except that damage to the optic nerve occurs even though eye pressure is not elevated.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma can be open-angle or closed-angle and is the result of some other medical condition in the eye or the body.
How Glaucoma Affects Vision
How Open-Angle Glaucoma May Affect Vision
Who is at Risk of Developing Glaucoma?
The most common types of glaucoma have completely different symptoms. However, there are some general risk factors to keep in mind, including:
- High eye pressure
- Family history of glaucoma
- Being age 40 and older for African Americans
- Being age 60 and older, particularly for Hispanics/Latinos
Browse other potential risk factors and how to lower your risk.
By The Numbers
Facts & Figures
4 Million+ Americans
More than four million Americans aged 40 and older are living with glaucoma, 2.7 million of whom are affected by its most common type, open-angle glaucoma.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, affecting 80 million people.
Eye Pressure: A Major Risk Factor
Eye pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma, but not every person with increased eye pressure will develop glaucoma. Glaucoma can even develop without increased eye pressure.
Early Detection Can Protect Vision
Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma; however, early detection and treatment can slow the progression of the disease and protect remaining vision.
Resources
Explore Helpful Resources & Information
What I Wish I Knew About Glaucoma: Your Top Questions Answered
In this chat, Dr. Poonam Misra addresses some of the most common questions listeners have shared over the past year—from treatment options and lifestyle considerations to the latest educational resources.
Dry Eye and Glaucoma
Dr. Astrid Werner explains what causes dry eye, how to recognize the symptoms, and effective treatment options—including preservative-free drops, artificial tears, and eyelid care routines.
Paying Forward the Benefits of Research
Meet Richard, a loyal donor to BrightFocus’ National Glaucoma Research and Macular Degeneration Research programs.
Can We Restore Vision Loss from Glaucoma? What the Research Says
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Lucy Q. Shen as we explore cutting-edge research into restoring vision loss from glaucoma.
The Top Five Questions to Ask Your Eye Doctor
Preparing ahead of time can help you best manage your vision health. Here are some questions you can take along when you visit the eye doctor.
Staying Ahead of Glaucoma: Why a Proactive Approach Matters
Learn how early intervention can preserve sight and improve quality of life.
Diet, Exercise, and Other Habits That May Help Reduce Glaucoma Risk
A healthy lifestyle can benefit more than just your heart — it may help protect your vision, too. Learn what the latest research says about diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management in glaucoma care.
Promising Research to Defeat Glaucoma
Learn about some of these groundbreaking research projects and how they are advancing earlier detection, risk reduction, treatments, and, ultimately, a cure for glaucoma.
3 Subtle Signs Your Glaucoma May Be Getting Worse
In between doctor visits, you are the best advocate for detecting changes to your glaucoma. Discover the key symptoms to watch for and how early action can help protect your vision.
Together, We Can Stop Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Your donation today helps fund critical research that could lead to treatments to preserve sight, provide vital information to the public, and end this devastating disease.
