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Glaucoma is the number one cause of blindness, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Although genetics can determine a person's risk for the disease, anyone can get it. In some instances, the disease is directly correlated with other medical conditions. There is no cure for glaucoma. Damage from the disease is irreversible, which is why regular screening for the disease is important. Glaucoma is most common in middle-aged and older adults and manifests in three different forms: Angle-closure glaucoma A person may experience a sudden increase in eye pressure, along with pain and nausea. These symptoms warrant immediate attention by a doctor. Congenital glaucoma This form of the disease occurs when an infant is born with a defect that causes slow fluid drainage from the angle of the eye. Symptoms may include sensitivity to light, reddening or clouding of the cornea, continuous rubbing and keeping eyes shut for long periods. National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health Because little is known about the effect of glaucoma drugs on infants, surgery is the treatment method. With prompt treatment, the infant has a greater chance of normal vision. Open-angle glaucoma This is the most common form of the impairment. Optic nerve damage and loss of vision occurs even when the patient has normal eye pressure. The problem with this form of glaucoma is there are often no symptoms. People who don't get their eyes checked regularly will suffer significant vision loss before they are diagnosed. Who's at risk? Everyone is at risk for glaucoma. However, certain groups are at a higher risk than others: Ÿ After cataracts, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans Ÿ Hispanics and those of Asian descent Ÿ People over 60 years old are six times more likely to get glaucoma Ÿ Individuals who have family members with glaucoma, steroid users and others with eye injuries Learn more at GlaucomaFoundation.org. Health