Types of Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma, so it is important to differentiate their characteristics:
- Open-angle glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is the most common. It occurs when the angle of drainage formed by the iris and the cornea remains open, causing fluid from the eye (also called aqueous fluid) to go into the drain and fail to empty properly, which generates a gradual increase in pressure in the eye.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: Opposite to the type of glaucoma mentioned above, this type of glaucoma occurs when the iris becomes inflamed. This inflammation blocks the drainage angle totally or partially, causing an obstruction, which prevents the circulation of the aqueous liquid, thus increasing the internal pressure of the eye. This type of glaucoma can appear suddenly or progressively.
- Childhood glaucoma: There is a percentage of children who may suffer from glaucoma at an early age or even be born with the condition. The optic nerve can be affected by total or partial obstruction of drainage, eye injury, or due to an underlying disease.
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, studies by various groups of researchers have found that open-angle glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among people of Hispanic descent over the age of 40.
In a study on ocular conditions in Latinos carried out in the city of Los Angeles, financed by the National Eye Institute, it was reported that close to 5% of the population suffers from open-angle glaucoma, and that people over 60 years of age are at a much higher risk of glaucoma. Another intriguing statistic was the fact that more than 75% of Hispanic people diagnosed with glaucoma did not know they had the disease.
The National Eye Institute study concluded that Latinos/Hispanics are more likely to develop visual impairment such as glaucoma, blindness, and cataracts compared to Caucasians.
