GLAUCOMA: A SILENT THIEF WHAT IS GLAUCOMA? Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye's optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. Posterior chamber Vitreous humor Anterior chamber Pupil Lens Cornea Iris Ciliary muscle Conjunctiva Sclera Your eye is constantly making a liquid called aqueous humor. As new fluid flows in, the same amount must be drained. If proper draining does not occur the fluid will build up and create high pressure in the eye. This causes damage to the optic nerve and over time causes blindness. Macula Retina Optic nerve Episclera Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. Congenital glaucoma (babies born with glaucoma) occurs when the eyes have not properly developed in the womb. BLINDNESS FROM GLAUCOMA CAN OFTEN BE PREVENTED WITH EARLY TREATMENT. Help spread awareness of taking care of your eyes! You never know when simple knowledge will help someone with their own problems and possibly save their sight! Visit eyefoundationofamerica.com to learn more about your vision. Eye Foundation America A World Without Childhood Blindness GLAUCOMA : A SILENT THIEF WHAT IS GLAUCOMA ? Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye's optic nerve . It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye . That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye , damaging the optic nerve . Posterior chamber Vitreous humor Anterior chamber Pupil Lens Cornea Iris Ciliary muscle Conjunctiva Sclera Your eye is constantly making a liquid called aqueous humor . As new fluid flows in , the same amount must be drained . If proper draining does not occur the fluid will build up and create high pressure in the eye . This causes damage to the optic nerve and over time causes blindness . Macula Retina Optic nerve Episclera Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old . Congenital glaucoma ( babies born with glaucoma ) occurs when the eyes have not properly developed in the womb . BLINDNESS FROM GLAUCOMA CAN OFTEN BE PREVENTED WITH EARLY TREATMENT . Help spread awareness of taking care of your eyes ! You never know when simple knowledge will help someone with their own problems and possibly save their sight ! Visit eyefoundationofamerica.com to learn more about your vision . Eye Foundation America A World Without Childhood Blindness