What is it and how can it be treated? Is it curable? Symptoms?

OK, I'm not sure atm, but let me guess for the record.

I tink it is when you have too much sugar in your eyes, and it gets you blind a big, I think. Let me Google in 2 secs.

here's a link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaucoma

it turns out its this disease which affects your optic nerve, causing slow blindness, first with colourblindness.

guess I was kind of close lol. =)

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that involves an elevation in pressure inside the eye. Increased pressure results from a buildup of excess fluid in the eye. Glaucoma is a dangerous eye condition because it frequently progresses without obvious symptoms. This is why it is frequently referred to as "the sneak thief of sight."

There are several types of glaucoma, for example, congenital, primary, secondary, and normal tension glaucoma. Congenital glaucoma appears in young people; secondary glaucoma is the result of injury or trauma. There are two types of primary glaucoma most frequently associated with aging: acute or closed angle glaucoma, and chronic or open angle glaucoma. The Reference Section at the end of this Fact Sheet provides resources for learning more about each of the types of glaucoma.

Regardless of the type, glaucoma can impair vision by creating pressure that damages the optic nerve, The "cable" of nerve fibers that transmits messages about what we see from the eye to the brain.

I am not a doctor, but I will add to the first answer, that it causes slow blindness:
That glaucoma is very treatable. If it is being treated properly,it does NOT
Cause blindness. The prior damage cannot be reversed, but further damage
Can be stopped: with either eye drops, or laser, or other surgery.
If someone suspects they may have glaucoma, it is therefore important
That they see an ophthalmologist (preferably a glaucoma specialist) to evaluate
This.

Note that I am NOT a doctor, and you should discuss this with someone who is.


Laurie