Glaucoma is an increase of the pressure inside the eye. Fluid is constantly being produced in the eye. This fluid then flows through the pupil and drains out of the eye through the angle between the cornea and the iris. If there is decreased drainage, the pressure in the eye increases, leading to damage to the retina and optic nerve. If untreated this will lead to permanent blindness.
There are several causes but we generally classify glaucoma as primary and secondary. Primary glaucoma is an inborn defect of the drainage angle and is breed predisposed in a number of breeds, for example Siberian Huskies, Flat Coated retrievers and Bouviers.
Secondary glaucoma is caused by a mechanical obstruction to the drainage of fluid. This can be caused by a number of causes which include inflammation and its sequelae, intra ocular tumours, luxation of the lens and bleeding within the eye.
Diagnosis and treatment
Special instruments are needed to measure the pressure in the eye. It is very important to determine the cause of the glaucoma and this should be treated. We also use drugs to decrease the production of fluid. In certain cases the condition has to be treated surgically in order to restore adequate drainage from the eye.