What causes pressure within the eye?
Fluid (aqueous humour) is produced inside the eye by a layer of cells known as the ciliary body. The fluid is necessary for the normal functioning of the eye. The fluid drains out of the eye through a structure called the trabecular meshwork. The normal pressure within the eye is between 12 and 21mmHg. If there is an obstruction to the flow of fluid out through the trabecular meshwork, the pressure can rise and glaucoma can develop. Types of Glaucoma There are many different types of glaucoma but the two main types are closed angle and open angle glaucoma. Open angle Glaucoma Open angle glaucoma is the most frequent type of glaucoma and affects over 2% of adults over the age of 40 years. It becomes more common with increasing age, myopia (short-sightedness) and possibly dibetes. It also is more common and can be more severe in certain ethnic groups, especially blacks. The exact cause of glaucoma is unknown but it does tend to run in families and it is therefore important that relatives
