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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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