In this morning's Health U segment, one of our viewers would like to know more about glaucoma...it's symptoms and how it's diagnosed.

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
It's an eye disease that's a result to too much fluid pressure that has built up inside of the eye. This damages the optic nerve in the eye, which causes vision loss or even blindness.

TWO TYPES OF GLAUCOMA?
Open Angle Glaucoma- is the most common. This is a result of a slow flow of the fluid leaving the eye die to a gradual increase in the eye pressure.

There are usually no symptoms at first with this type. But progression of the disease leads to loss of side vision (feels like your looking through a tunnel), blurred vision, and poor night vision.

Closed Angle Glaucoma- is the second most common type. This is when there's a blockage due to a sudden build-up of pressure in the eye. This type is considered a medical emergency.

The symptoms with this type include eye pain, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

WHO'S AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING GLAUCOMA?
African-Americans over 40
Everyone over 60
People with a family history
Diabetics

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? (Many of the tests are painless)
Dilated Eye Exam- using drops to widen the pupils so that the back of the eye and nerves can be examined for damage.

Tonometry- using an instrument to measure the pressure inside the eye

Other vision test measure how well you can see at various distances and one to determine if you have lost your side vision.

HOW IS IT TREATED?
Medication- pills or eye drops. They can reduce pressure by slowing the flow of fluid into the eye or improve fluid drainage from the eye.

Laser Surgery or Microsurgery- This will make it easier for fluid to leave the eye.

Doctors say there's no cure for glaucoma. And vision lost from glaucoma can't be restored.

Early treatment may save the remaining vision so early diagnosis is important.

Those at risk need to have a complete eye exam every one or two years.

Be sure to submit your HEALTHYU question. And see if your question gets answered on NBC Augusta Morning News at 11am.