Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure of fluid in the eye-ball is abnormally high - higher than the eye can tolerate over a long period of time. Glaucoma usually occurs in both eyes, but it may start much sooner in one eye than in the other. When the eye pressure is abnormally high over a long period of time then it causes the slow death of nerve fibrils inside the optic nerve leading to a gradual loss of vision. This is non reversible loss of eye sight.
What Causes Glaucoma?
It is caused by the build-up of the fluid 'aqueous humour' which circulates within the eye. Either by excessive formation or reduced drainage of aqueous humour. Since new fluid continues to be formed the pressure continues to rise.