Last update
 8/2008
Eye Research Network

E-Guide to GLAUCOMA

Kenneth P. Mitton, Ph.D., Editor
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Glaucoma is a family of diseases that result in the loss of cells, called ganlion cells, that form the optic nerve of the eye. One risk factor for this condition is abnormally elevated intra-ocular pressure. (Pressure in your eye.) Your ophthalmologist can manage your intra-ocular pressure with eye drop medications that reduce the formation of fluids entering the eye. However, many people suffer glaucoma even with normal pressure. Again, this condition is a multifactorial disease under the influence of age, lifestyle, and genetic background.

Some early onset glaucomas are associated with specific mutations in some genes, and these result in inherited conditions that often result in glaucoma conditions in very young family members. Like AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and many diseases of the retina, glaucoma is a painless condition. It is very important to get regular (at least each year) eye exams to catch these conditions at their earliest possible stages.


I Recommend the NEI's Health and Disease Information Page





The Eye Research Network started at Virginia Tech in 1995 from the Biochemistry Department with the help of John Hess, PhD, (Dr. Mitton's first post-doctoral mentor)