There are two main types of glaucoma; acute angle closure glaucoma (AACG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). High myopia tends to be associated with POAG and is the most commonly reported type of glaucoma. Elevated intraocular pressure is a well-known major risk factor for POAG. In addition, there is growing evidence that other factors including age, gender, race, refractive error, heredity, and systemic factors may play a role in glaucoma pathogenesis. Many studies found that high myopia has been associated with POAG, however, direct and convincing evidence are still lacking.
In the second type, there are usually no symptoms. Patient may only start to take notice when they bump into objects or trip over steps which indicate visual field losses. In such cases, visual field losses tend to be rather extensive and treatment should be started soonest to prevent further field losses.
In both cases, there is irreversible damage to the optic nerve resulting in visual field loss starting for the periphery (side vision). Thus, it is important to start on medications to preserve whatever remaining treatment and patient needs to be monitored over the years.
