What causes glaucoma?

Mostly unknown: A few cases of glaucoma occur due to trauma, inherited problems and anatomical underpinnings. The majority - 'open angle glaucoma'- is largely age related with no known cause.

Genetics and age: The two largest factors contributing to the development of glaucoma are age and genetics. Other than that, trauma, steroid usage, anatomical conditions (narrow angles, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, pigmentary dispersion syndrome of the iris, cataracts), prior surgery, can all cause glaucoma. The underlying cause of glaucoma is to much pressure on the optic nerve causing it to die off.

Pressure imbalance: Ultimately, glaucoma is a pressure imbalance where the pressure inside the eye is too high for the eye, leading to nerve damage. Pressure is an equilibrium of fluid being made in the eye and fluid flowing out of the eye. Treatments for glaucoma either decrease fluid production, increase fluid outflow, or increase the effective space within the eye.

Usually elevated IOP: Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy that is associated with several risk factors including elevated intraocular pressure, a thin cornea, family history, increased optic nerve cupping, myopia and being African American . It is not always associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Normal tension glaucoma results in similar optic nerve pathology with normal eye pressure. Treatment is lowering the IOP