Glaucoma Description: A group of diseases of the eye characterized by increased pressure, resulting in blindness if not treated successfully. Symptoms: The most common type of adult primary glaucoma, chronic simple glaucoma, is characterized by very few symptoms in the early stages; many people have the disease without knowing it. There may be some hazy vision and mild discomfort in the eye and later there is a barely-noticed loss of peripheral vision. As the disease progresses there is reduced visual acuity and greatly increased intraocular pressure that can cause the appearance of colored rings or halos around bright objects. Number of Americans diagnosed: Glaucoma strikes more than two percent of all those over 40 years of age in the United States. It rarely occurs in anyone under 40. Long-term problems/treatments: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are required to prevent the serious consequences of increased intraocular pressure. Chronic simple glaucoma is treated medically through the use of beta blockers, miotics to facilitate aqueous outflow, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to reduce the rate at which aqueous humor is produced. The patient must continue prescribed medications for the rest of their life. Some types of glaucoma can be treated surgically. Directory List Choose an illness from the menu below: Select here Allergies Alzheimer's disease Arthritis Asthma Bipolar disorder Chronic back problems Chronic bronchitis Chronic obstructive        pulmonary disease Cirrhosis Depression Developmental disabilities Diabetes Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Glaucoma Hearing impairment Heart disease Hepatitis C High blood pressure Human Immunodeficiency        Virus (HIV) Kidney disease Lou Gehrig's disease Lupus Lyme disease Migraine Multiple sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Orthopedic Impairments Osteoporosis Paralysis of the extremities Parkinson's disease Psoriasis Schizophrenia Sinusitis Stroke Thyroid condition         Previous      Next Resources The Glaucoma Foundation Glaucoma Research Foundation National Eye Institute Home | Awareness | Patient Files | The Challenge | Your Stories | Outreach | Resources About the Program | About Fred Friendly Seminars | Our Partners | Site Map | Credits © 2001 Fred Friendly Seminars, Inc.