Primary Location

6180 State Farm Dr

Rohnert Park, CA 94928 US

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage your optic nerve, which is essential for good vision. The damage is caused by high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for those who are over 60. While it can happen at any age, it is more common for adults. Our eye doctors at North Bay Vision Center in Rohnert Park can help detect and treat your glaucoma.

Different Types of Glaucoma

There are different types of glaucoma with slightly different causes.

Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common form of the disease. The cornea and iris are open but the trabecular network is blocked which causes the eye pressure to increase slowly. It happens so slowly that people lose their vision before they realize there is a problem.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This happens within the iris, which bulges forward to block the drainage. This means fluid cannot circulate within the eye. Some people also have narrow drainage angles. This can happen suddenly and is considered a medical emergency.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma: In this case, the optic nerve is damaged even though the eye pressure is still within a normal range.

Glaucoma in Children: It is also possible for children and infants to have glaucoma. Optic nerve damage can be caused by an underlying medical condition or by a drainage blockage.

Pigmentary Glaucoma: With this type of glaucoma, pigment granules that form the iris build-up in the drainage passages, which can block or slow the fluid in the eye.

Visit Our Optometrists in Rohnert Park, CA

No matter the cause of your glaucoma, it is important to have regular visits with an eye doctor to monitor the condition. By visiting an optometrist on a regular basis, you will be able to detect the signs before the condition leads to vision loss. Call our team at North Bay Vision Center today at 707-584-7294 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.