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.
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.
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.
There are various risk factors that one ought to be aware of. The first and maybe most important is the internal eye pressure. If it is higher than normal, there will be increased risk of contracting the condition. However, not everyone with elevated internal eye pressure contracts the disease. Age is another crucial factor. Those older than sixty are at a higher risk, especially if they are Mexican-American. African-Americans are likely to develop the disease at a younger age.
Family history plays a major role because the disease has a genetic link. Thus if the disease runs within the family, one will be at a greater risk. Such people should go for regular checkups. Medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes also increase the risk of contraction.
Severe injuries to eyes could lead to increased eye pressure. Other eye conditions that increase chances of contraction of the condition are eye tumors, eye inflammation, dislocation of the lens and retinal detachment. Some surgeries of eyes also trigger glaucoma. Nearsighted and farsighted individuals are also at increased 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.
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.
There are various risk factors that one ought to be aware of. The first and maybe most important is the internal eye pressure. If it is higher than normal, there will be increased risk of contracting the condition. However, not everyone with elevated internal eye pressure contracts the disease. Age is another crucial factor. Those older than sixty are at a higher risk, especially if they are Mexican-American. African-Americans are likely to develop the disease at a younger age.
Family history plays a major role because the disease has a genetic link. Thus if the disease runs within the family, one will be at a greater risk. Such people should go for regular checkups. Medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes also increase the risk of contraction.
Severe injuries to eyes could lead to increased eye pressure. Other eye conditions that increase chances of contraction of the condition are eye tumors, eye inflammation, dislocation of the lens and retinal detachment. Some surgeries of eyes also trigger glaucoma. Nearsighted and farsighted individuals are also at increased 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.
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