Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye's optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. The optic nerve is a bundle of more than 1 million nerve fibers. It connects the retina to the brain. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
A healthy optic nerve is necessary for good vision. Several large studies have shown that eye pressure is a major risk factor for optic nerve damage.
When the fluid builds up, the pressure inside the eye rises to a level that may damage the optic nerve. When the optic nerve is damaged from increased pressure, open-angle glaucoma-and vision loss may result. That's why controlling pressure inside the eye is important.
However, with early detection and treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss.
