Monday, January 19, 2015
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve. This may cause loss of vision. This loss results from the abnormally high pressure within the eye. This condition is among the leading causes of blindness. The loss of sight may be so gradual that one may not notice until it is at an advanced stage. When considering treatment of glaucoma San Antonio residents have various facts to consider.
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.
The various types of this condition have differing symptoms. For the open angle type, one will experience gradual loss of peripheral vision, normally in both eyes. In the more advanced stages, there will be tunnel vision. The acute closure type is characterized by eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, reddening of the eyes and halos around lights. Both conditions are referred to as primary when the cause is unknown and secondary when their cause may be traced to known causes.
This condition is prevalent because most people will always wait until they experience noticeable symptoms. Going for regular checkups will always be key to detecting any symptoms in time. People aged forty years and above need checkups every once in three or five years to detect any risk factors. People with risk factors and are over 60 years should be screened once in every one or two years.
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.
Also important is the family history. Persons who hail from families with a history of glaucoma are more likely to contract the disease. This means they should go for regular medical examination. Furthermore, there are a number of other medical conditions that are also risk factors. They include diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Severe eye injuries may also bring about increased pressure of the eyes. Other conditions such as eye inflammation, eye tumors, lens dislocation and detachment of the retina also lead to increased risk of contraction. Some forms of eye surgeries are also risk factors. People that are farsighted or nearsighted also are at an increased risk.
Prevention will be important in dealing with glaucoma. Treatment of elevated eye pressure, wearing eye protection and eating healthy are some of the preventive measures. Wearing eye protection will prevent serious injuries. Healthy diets improve mental and physical health.
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.
The various types of this condition have differing symptoms. For the open angle type, one will experience gradual loss of peripheral vision, normally in both eyes. In the more advanced stages, there will be tunnel vision. The acute closure type is characterized by eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, reddening of the eyes and halos around lights. Both conditions are referred to as primary when the cause is unknown and secondary when their cause may be traced to known causes.
This condition is prevalent because most people will always wait until they experience noticeable symptoms. Going for regular checkups will always be key to detecting any symptoms in time. People aged forty years and above need checkups every once in three or five years to detect any risk factors. People with risk factors and are over 60 years should be screened once in every one or two years.
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.
Also important is the family history. Persons who hail from families with a history of glaucoma are more likely to contract the disease. This means they should go for regular medical examination. Furthermore, there are a number of other medical conditions that are also risk factors. They include diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Severe eye injuries may also bring about increased pressure of the eyes. Other conditions such as eye inflammation, eye tumors, lens dislocation and detachment of the retina also lead to increased risk of contraction. Some forms of eye surgeries are also risk factors. People that are farsighted or nearsighted also are at an increased risk.
Prevention will be important in dealing with glaucoma. Treatment of elevated eye pressure, wearing eye protection and eating healthy are some of the preventive measures. Wearing eye protection will prevent serious injuries. Healthy diets improve mental and physical health.
