How often should I be screened for glaucoma?

Every 1–2 years if you're over 40, or more often if you have risk factors such as a family history, diabetes, or elevated eye pressure.

Is glaucoma hereditary?

Yes — first-degree relatives of someone with glaucoma should have earlier and more frequent eye screening, since family history significantly raises risk.

Do lifestyle changes help with glaucoma?

A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, not smoking, and controlling conditions like blood pressure and diabetes can all support your overall eye health.

Is it safe to drive with glaucoma?

It depends on the severity of vision loss. Advanced cases with significant peripheral vision loss may make driving unsafe — your ophthalmologist can advise.

Does glaucoma always involve high eye pressure?

No — normal-tension glaucoma causes optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure readings, which is why pressure alone isn't the full picture.

Most types are painless. The exception is acute angle-closure glaucoma, which causes sudden, severe pain and is a medical emergency.

What Are the Different Types of Glaucoma?

Quick Answer

Glaucoma isn't one disease — there are six main types: primary open-angle (the most common, progressing silently), angle-closure (can be a medical emergency), normal-tension (damage despite normal pressure), congenital (present from birth), secondary (caused by another condition), and exfoliative (a more aggressive subtype). Each has a different cause, risk profile and treatment approach.

Why Glaucoma Isn't Just One Disease

Glaucoma is really an umbrella term for a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually linked to pressure inside the eye. Knowing which type you're dealing with matters, because the cause, urgency and treatment approach can be very different from one type to another.

The Six Types of Glaucoma

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Most Common

The drainage angle stays open, but the drainage tissue gradually becomes less efficient, slowly raising pressure with no early symptoms — the classic "silent thief of sight."

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Can Be a Medical Emergency

The drainage angle narrows or closes, blocking fluid outflow. The acute form causes sudden severe pain, blurred vision, halos and nausea, and needs immediate treatment.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Pressure Isn't the Whole Story

Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure, possibly linked to poor blood flow. Often picked up during a routine eye exam.

Congenital Glaucoma

Present From Birth

A rare condition in infants caused by an abnormally developed drainage system, often showing as an enlarged, cloudy cornea or excessive tearing.

Secondary Glaucoma

Caused By Another Condition

Develops as a result of eye injury, inflammation (uveitis), steroid use, advanced cataracts or other eye disease.

Exfoliative Glaucoma

A More Aggressive Subtype

A form of secondary open-angle glaucoma where flaky material builds up on the lens and drainage structures, often needing more assertive treatment than typical POAG.

Not sure which type applies to you?

A comprehensive eye exam, including pressure testing and optic nerve imaging, can identify your exact type of glaucoma.

Explore Glaucoma Treatment Book a Consultation

How Type Affects Treatment

Most types of glaucoma are managed with eye drops and laser treatment first, stepping up to surgery only when needed. Angle-closure glaucoma is the main exception — an acute attack needs immediate medical treatment to relieve pressure and prevent permanent vision loss. Secondary and congenital glaucoma also typically need their underlying cause addressed alongside standard pressure-lowering treatment.

Acute angle-closure is an emergency

Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, nausea or vomiting can signal an acute angle-closure attack — seek emergency care immediately.

Conclusion

Understanding which type of glaucoma you have helps explain why your treatment plan looks the way it does — and why some types need urgent action while others are managed steadily over years. Whatever the type, regular monitoring is what protects your vision long-term.