What Is Glaucoma?

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Glaucoma is an eye condition that does not get as much attention as it should.

It is estimated that three million Americans have glaucoma and 120,000 are blind as a result.

The most important way to address glaucoma is to have it diagnosed by a regular eye exam since there are no warning signs, but according to a study in JAMA Ophthalmology a diet rich in green leafy vegetables might be your best weapon preventing it in the first place. The most common form of glaucoma is primary open angle glaucoma which is caused by clogging in the eyes, drainage canals that slowly increase pressure in the eye.