The groups of conditions that result in optic nerve damage are referred to as glaucoma. This normally causes loss of vision. The loss is attributed to increased pressure within eyes. It is among the leading causes of blindness. This form of vision loss could be so gradual so that it remains unnoticed until it gets to more advanced stages. In considering treatment of glaucoma San Antonio residents should know various facts about the condition.
The most common type is open angle glaucoma that does not have any noticeable signs apart from vision loss. With early diagnosis and treatment, damage to the optic nerve is prevented and therefore vision loss limited. With regular eye examination, the doctor will measure intraocular pressure and ensure it is at acceptable levels. The pressure is caused by build-up of the fluid known as aqueous humor. The fluid flows in and out of eyes.
There are different symptoms of the various types of glaucoma. For instance, the open angle version is characterized by gradual loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes. Tunnel vision results in the more advanced stages. In acute closure glaucoma, there will be eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and reddening of the eyes. The condition is described as primary when its causes are unknown and secondary when the cause may be traced to known causes.
Eye specialists recommend that individuals do not wait until there are noticeable problems before seeking medical intervention. For adults aged forty and above, there should be checkups once in every three to five years so that any risk factors are dealt with. This is not however the same for persons of over sixty years. This category of people will need screening every once in a year or two.
It is important to know the various risk factors. The internal eye pressure is among the most important. If in any case it increases beyond the expected level, one will be at higher risk of getting the disease. Not all people with elevated eye pressure will however contract glaucoma. Age will also be a determining factor. Those above 60 years, more so if they are Mexican-Americans, are at higher risk. Americans of African origin tend to develop the disease when they are younger.
The family history will play a very important role. People who have a family history of glaucoma are at a greater risk. The disease may have a genetic link. Thus people in whose families it runs should seek regular medical checkup. Some medical conditions also increase the risk, among them diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
When the eyes are severely injured, they will likely have increased pressure. Other conditions such as eye inflammation, eye tumors, retinal detachment and lens dislocation are also risk factors. The same applies to some forms of eye surgery. People that suffer from short sightedness or long sightedness are also more at risk.
There are various preventive measures that need to be considered. Protecting the eyes, eating healthy and treating elevated intraocular pressure are just some of the ways to prevent glaucoma. Protecting the eyes prevents serious injuries.
The most common type is open angle glaucoma that does not have any noticeable signs apart from vision loss. With early diagnosis and treatment, damage to the optic nerve is prevented and therefore vision loss limited. With regular eye examination, the doctor will measure intraocular pressure and ensure it is at acceptable levels. The pressure is caused by build-up of the fluid known as aqueous humor. The fluid flows in and out of eyes.
There are different symptoms of the various types of glaucoma. For instance, the open angle version is characterized by gradual loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes. Tunnel vision results in the more advanced stages. In acute closure glaucoma, there will be eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and reddening of the eyes. The condition is described as primary when its causes are unknown and secondary when the cause may be traced to known causes.
Eye specialists recommend that individuals do not wait until there are noticeable problems before seeking medical intervention. For adults aged forty and above, there should be checkups once in every three to five years so that any risk factors are dealt with. This is not however the same for persons of over sixty years. This category of people will need screening every once in a year or two.
It is important to know the various risk factors. The internal eye pressure is among the most important. If in any case it increases beyond the expected level, one will be at higher risk of getting the disease. Not all people with elevated eye pressure will however contract glaucoma. Age will also be a determining factor. Those above 60 years, more so if they are Mexican-Americans, are at higher risk. Americans of African origin tend to develop the disease when they are younger.
The family history will play a very important role. People who have a family history of glaucoma are at a greater risk. The disease may have a genetic link. Thus people in whose families it runs should seek regular medical checkup. Some medical conditions also increase the risk, among them diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
When the eyes are severely injured, they will likely have increased pressure. Other conditions such as eye inflammation, eye tumors, retinal detachment and lens dislocation are also risk factors. The same applies to some forms of eye surgery. People that suffer from short sightedness or long sightedness are also more at risk.
There are various preventive measures that need to be considered. Protecting the eyes, eating healthy and treating elevated intraocular pressure are just some of the ways to prevent glaucoma. Protecting the eyes prevents serious injuries.
.jpg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment