Secondary Glaucoma :
This type occurs as a result of another disease or problem within the eye such as: inflammation, trauma, previous surgery, diabetes, tumor, and certain medications. For this type, both the glaucoma and the underlying problem must be treated.
Congenital :
This is a rare type of glaucoma that is generally seen in infants. In most cases, surgery is required.
DIAGNOSIS
Because glaucoma does not cause symptoms in most cases, those who are 40 or older should have an annual examination including a measurement of the intraocular pressure. Those who are glaucoma suspects may need additional testing.
The glaucoma evaluation has several components. In addition to measuring the intraocular pressure, the doctor will also evaluate the health of the optic nerve (ophthalmoscopy, test the peripheral vision visual field test, and examine the structures in the front of the eye with a special lens (gonioscopy) before making a diagnosis.

The doctor evaluates the optic nerve and grades its health by noting the cup to disc ratio. This is simply a comparison of the cup (the depressed area in the center of the nerve) to the entire diameter of the optic nerve. As glaucoma progresses, the area of cupping, or depression, increases. Therefore, a patient with a higher ratio has more damage.
The progression of glaucoma is monitored with a visual field test. This test maps the peripheral vision, allowing the doctor to determine the extent
Of vision loss from glaucoma and a measure
of the effectiveness of the treatment.
The visual field test is periodically repeated to verify
That the intraocular pressure is being adequately
controlled.  The structures in the front of the eye are
normally difficult to see without the help
of a special gonioscopy lens.
This special mirrored contact lens allows the doctor
to examine the anterior chamber and the eye’s
drainage system. |