Glaucoma occurs when there is an increase of fluid production or a decrease in fluid drainage within the front part of the eye. Over time, as the pressure within the eye remains elevated or peaks at different times of the day, the optic nerve fibers are destroyed and peripheral (side) vision is lost. If not treated adequately, an elevated pressure can also cause irreversible loss of central vision.

More than 66.8 million people are visually impaired by glaucoma worldwide and the disease has blinded 6.7 million people, according to the National Glaucoma Research, a program of the American Health Assistance Foundation. The foundation is committed to funding research and getting the word out about glaucoma – January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month.