[2porscheguy]

Cantdrv55 there are basically two types of Glaucoma:

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), which is by far the most common form. This form can cause a painless slow loss of vision over time if left untreated. It is usually treated with medication...drops. Surgery is usually only done as a last resort if the IOP is not sufficiently controlled by meds.

Acute or Angle Closure Glaucoma (ACG) is the other type. This is caused by an acute or rapid rise in IOP due to a "closed angle", the angle being the space between the iris and the trabecular meshwork which is located near the outermost part of the cornea. This condition is extremely painfull and can result in a fairly quick loss of vision if left untreated for 24-48 hrs. Patients that are very farsighted or hyperopic are at a higher risk of developing this type. The treatment, if done soon enough, is actually fairly straightforward. A YAG laser is used to basically punch a couple of holes in the iris to allow the Aqueous Humour, the intraocular fluid, to by-pass the iris and open up the angle. Often times this procedure, called a Peripheral Iridotomy, may be performed on individuals deemed to be at risk of going on to develop ACG.

It sounds like your stepdad may have developed ACG....his siblings and children should be informed of this as they are at a higher risk of developing Glaucoma themselves.

If you go to my website....drwilson.optometry.net....you can find more info in the vision library section.

I hope this helps?

Alex