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Types of glaucoma
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Glaucoma syndromes are divided into two main categories: primary and secondary. Primary, in which the glaucoma and the causes of increased outflow resistance and increased intraocular pressure are unknown. Secondary glaucomas are associated with known ocular or systemic conditions that cause increased intraocular pressure and increased outflow resistance.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma in the United States, accounting for about two-thirds of all glaucoma cases. This syndrome probably represents a common endpoint for a number of as yet undefined distinct pathophysiological processes. As our understanding of the genetic and pathophysiological components of the disease continues to expand, it is anticipated that a number of other conditions with similar optic nerve and visual field defects will eventually be recognized.
The articles in this section contain illustrative photographs and a brief description of the main glaucoma syndromes:
- congenital glaucoma;
- primary open-angle glaucoma;
- secondary open-angle glaucoma;
- inflammatory glaucoma;
- phacogenic glaucoma;
- uveal glaucoma;
- primary angle-closure glaucoma;
- secondary angle-closure glaucoma.
In addition, some long-term complications of antiglaucoma surgeries are discussed here.