[glaw-koh-muh, glou-] 
| Ophthalmology. abnormally high fluid pressure in the eye, most commonly caused either by blockage of the channel through which aqueous humor drains (open-angle glaucoma or chronic glaucoma) or by pressure of the iris against the lens, which traps the aqueous humor (angle-closure glaucoma or acute glaucoma). |
[glaw-koh-muh-tuh
s, -kom-uh-, glou-] , adjective A disease of the eye marked by increased fluid pressure in the eyeball. Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and may result in blindness if not treated. Surgery may be required for severe cases.
glaucoma glau·co·ma (glou-kō'mə, glô-)
n.
Any of a group of eye diseases characterized by abnormally high intraocular fluid pressure, damaged optic disk, hardening of the eyeball, and partial to complete loss of vision.
| glaucoma (glou-kō'mə, glô-) Pronunciation Key
A disease of the eye in which the pressure of fluid inside the eyeball is abnormally high, caused by obstructed outflow of the fluid. The increased pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to partial or complete loss of vision. |