Table of Contents
Causes
Causes of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
The exact cause of primary open-angle glaucoma is unknown. A number of conditions, alone or in combination, are needed to trigger the processes leading to increased pressure and then to the nerve damage that destroys sight. The damage done to the optic nerve in glaucoma is triggered in most cases by the excessive pressure on the optic nerve that, over time, causes damage. Because optic nerve damage occurs in patients with normal as well as high intraocular pressure, however, there are other factors that occur and can damage the optic nerve.
Causes of Closed-Angle Glaucoma
People with acute closed-angle glaucoma often have a structural defect that produces a narrow angle between the iris and cornea where the aqueous humor circulates. Conditions that suddenly dilate (widen) the pupils may cause this shallow angle to close and precipitate attacks of acute glaucoma in susceptible people. Such conditions may include:
- Certain drugs such as antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, some asthma medications (nebulized ipratropium), some anti-seizure drugs (topiramate)
- Darkness
- Emotional stress
Causes of Secondary Glaucoma
When glaucoma is caused by other diseases or conditions, it is known as secondary glaucoma. Both open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma can be secondary conditions.
Medical Conditions. A number of diseases can contribute to the development of glaucoma:
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Review Date: 06/23/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
