The cause of the disease, though unclear at present, is generally believed to be concerned with the blockage of trabecular network by the peripheral iris or with the permanent adhension of the trabecular network, causing the aqueous outflow to be obstructed,and the increase in the intraocular pressure occurs.

The disease, from its clinical manifestations, should pertain to "Lufeng Neizhang" (green glaucoma) in traditional Chinese medicine. Usually, it arises from the invasion of eye by pathogenic wind-fire and phlegm. The upward invasion of eye by pathogenic factors, disorder of qi and blood, obstruction of meridian and vessel, closure of sweat pore, stagnation of qi and blood as well as accumulation of aqueous humor, all these form the pathogenesis of the disease.