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 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.
It is not advisable to wait until there are noticeable eye problems. The key to detection is to go for regular eye exams. It is recommended that adults aged forty and above have eye examinations every three to five years so that there are no risk factors. People over sixty years who have risk factors need to be screened 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 preventive measures that may be very instrumental. These include treating of elevated eye pressure, eating healthy diet and wearing eye protection. Wearing of protection will prevent serious eye injuries. A healthy diet improves physical and mental 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.
It is not advisable to wait until there are noticeable eye problems. The key to detection is to go for regular eye exams. It is recommended that adults aged forty and above have eye examinations every three to five years so that there are no risk factors. People over sixty years who have risk factors need to be screened 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 preventive measures that may be very instrumental. These include treating of elevated eye pressure, eating healthy diet and wearing eye protection. Wearing of protection will prevent serious eye injuries. A healthy diet improves physical and mental health.
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