Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases in which vision is lost due to damage of the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is estimated to affect four million people in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of blindness. Though it is not
preventable, treatments are available that may slow the progression of glaucoma, so early detection is very important. Treatments for glaucoma may include eye drops, laser surgery, or incisional surgery. The aim of treatment is to reduce the pressure of the fluid in the eye, known as intraocular
pressure (IOP), in an attempt to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. There are several different types of glaucoma, and the most common type is known as primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). In patients with POAG, fluid may not drain out of the eye properly, despite the fact that there are no physical blockages evident.