What is open-angle glaucoma?

Most common: Simply, the drain of the eye appears open on exam (gonioscopy). It's a type of glaucoma (most common), and a way to describe to differentiate from narrow angle glaucoma, which may require a different laser or surgery procedure.

Open angle glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma in which the drains of the eye interior gradually become obstructed (like plumbing obstruction in your house) leading to elevation of the interior eye pressure. This squeezes the nerves and blood vessels at the back of the eye causing gradual loss of vision over time. Treatment (drops, laser, surgery) will lower pressure and protect the eye.