10 Different Types of Glaucoma And How To Identify Each One

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Unlike open-angle glaucoma, this type progresses quickly and is a lot less common. Similarly, however, it is caused by the clogging of drainage canals which increases pressure. It is formed when the area between the iris and cornea becomes closed or narrowed. Whereas symptoms of open-angle glaucoma can go unnoticed, angle-closure has symptoms like eye pain, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and blurred vision. Some people visualize rainbow-colored circles around bright lights.

1. Open-Angle Glaucoma

The most widely contracted form is open-angle glaucoma, also called primary or chronic glaucoma. It represents about ninety percent of glaucoma cases, recognized by its wide and open angle seen between the iris and cornea. This angle is as wide as it is supposed to be. When the eye’s drainage canals are clogged, pressure on the eye is increased. This pressure happens slowly over the course of a lifetime. It affects about three million Americans.