Glaucoma is a group of conditions of the eye which bring about optic nerve damage. This results in vision loss. The vision is lost as a result of abnormally high pressure in the eyes. It is one of the conditions that majorly bring about blindness. The loss of vision is normally so gradual that it may not be noticed until it is at advanced stages. In consideration of treatment for glaucoma San Antonio residents should consider various factors.
The most common type of this condition is open angle glaucoma which has no noticeable symptoms save for the fact that the vision will be lost gradually. The damage to the optic nerve may be prevented with timely diagnosis and treatment. This will also mean the vision loss is prevented. Eyes need to be examined regularly during which time the intraocular pressure is measured. The pressure is caused by build-up of aqueous humor which is the fluid flowing into and out of the 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.
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 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.
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 of this condition is open angle glaucoma which has no noticeable symptoms save for the fact that the vision will be lost gradually. The damage to the optic nerve may be prevented with timely diagnosis and treatment. This will also mean the vision loss is prevented. Eyes need to be examined regularly during which time the intraocular pressure is measured. The pressure is caused by build-up of aqueous humor which is the fluid flowing into and out of the 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.
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 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.
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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