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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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