Can glaucoma be contagious?

Written by Hu Shu Fang

Ophthalmology

Updated on September 12, 2024

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Glaucoma is not contagious. It is not an infectious disease; rather, it is a group of diseases characterized by increased eye pressure, leading to optic nerve atrophy and vision decline. The most common cause is genetic factors, meaning if elders or parents in the family have this condition, the incidence of glaucoma in their offspring will also be higher. It is an eye disease caused by anatomical abnormalities of the eye. Additionally, some cases of glaucoma are caused by trauma or other reasons, so glaucoma is not contagious.

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Written by Zheng Xin

Ophthalmology

45sec

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Is high intraocular pressure always glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by typical optic nerve atrophy and visual field defects, with high intraocular pressure and visual field loss as features. Clinically, some patients have long-term high intraocular pressure but do not exhibit optic nerve and visual field damage. This condition is not called glaucoma, but is referred to as ocular hypertension. Meanwhile, some patients may have normal eye pressure but still exhibit typical glaucoma optic nerve damage and visual field defects; this condition is called normal-tension glaucoma. Therefore, high intraocular pressure does not necessarily indicate glaucoma, and normal intraocular pressure can also potentially be glaucoma.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

48sec

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Is vitreous opacity a precursor to glaucoma?

Vitreous opacities are not a precursor to glaucoma. Vitreous opacities can be divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological vitreous opacities generally do not affect vision, and one may see variously shaped black shadows in front of the eyes. Pathological vitreous opacities can impact vision and should be further examined by an ophthalmologist. The precursors of glaucoma include eye pressure, eye pain, photophobia, tearing, relief after rest, and a decrease in vision, along with halos seen around lights. If these symptoms occur, active treatment should be sought. Glaucoma can be classified into primary, secondary, congenital, and mixed types.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

44sec

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The difference between open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma

Primary angle-closure glaucoma is a type of glaucoma caused by the peripheral iris blocking the trabecular meshwork, or permanently adhering to the trabecular meshwork, obstructing the outflow of aqueous humor, leading to increased intraocular pressure. It is characterized by a narrow angle and the anatomical feature of the peripheral iris being prone to contact with the trabecular meshwork. Gonioscopy confirming angle closure is an important diagnostic criterion. The characteristic of open-angle glaucoma, however, is that even though intraocular pressure is elevated, the angle remains open, with the obstruction of aqueous outflow occurring at the trabecular meshwork system.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

1min 10sec

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What are the symptoms of glaucoma precursor?

The prodromal phase of glaucoma is characterized by transient or recurrent attacks, often occurring multiple times, typically in the evenings. During an attack, patients suddenly experience blurred vision and halos around lights, possibly accompanied by pain in the forehead on the affected side or a sour swelling at the root of the nose on the same side. These symptoms are short-lived and can resolve or disappear after rest. If examined immediately, increased intraocular pressure can be detected, often above 40 mmHg, with slight conjunctival congestion or no congestion. There is mild foggy edema in the corneal epithelium. The anterior chamber is extremely shallow, but the aqueous humor is clear, with a wide closure of the chamber angle, slightly dilated pupils, and sluggish light reflexes. After a minor attack subsides, aside from the characteristic shallow anterior chamber, there generally is no permanent tissue damage.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong

Ophthalmology

52sec

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What happens if glaucoma worsens?

Glaucoma, if left untreated or improperly treated leading to worsening, can result in blindness, which is referred to as absolute glaucoma. In such cases, it becomes impossible to recover vision; in other words, it is irreversible. Therefore, it is crucial to proactively treat glaucoma after its onset by reducing eye pressure to protect vision, adjusting one's mindset, resting adequately, and avoiding close-range activities. The treatment is generally quite successful nowadays. Glaucoma can be classified into acute angle-closure glaucoma and open-angle glaucoma, both of which are types of primary glaucoma. Additionally, it can be categorized into primary glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, and mixed glaucoma. With active treatment, the outcomes for glaucoma are generally good.