Learn About Glaucoma and what you can do to help save your sight.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve.In its early stages,glaucoma may present few or no symptoms and can gradually steal sight without any warning.In fact most people affected by glaucoma dont know they suffer from glaucoma.If left undetected and untreated,glaucoma can lead to blindness.
One of the major risk factor of glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure known as (IOP) or pressure inside the eye.A healthy eye produces a fluid,called aqueous humor,at the same rate at the which it drains.High pressure occurs when the drainage system is blocked and the fluid cannot exit at the normal rate.This increased IOP pressure against the optic nerve causing gradual damage in eye,which may bad effect in vision may be loss of vision.Usually starting with the peripheral or often associated with gradual damage to the nerve fibers that make up the optic nerve.IOP is currently the only treatable risk factor for glaucoma.
Who are at risk for glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve.In its early stages,glaucoma may present few or no symptoms and can gradually steal sight without any warning.In fact most people affected by glaucoma dont know they suffer from glaucoma.If left undetected and untreated,glaucoma can lead to blindness.
One of the major risk factor of glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure known as (IOP) or pressure inside the eye.A healthy eye produces a fluid,called aqueous humor,at the same rate at the which it drains.High pressure occurs when the drainage system is blocked and the fluid cannot exit at the normal rate.This increased IOP pressure against the optic nerve causing gradual damage in eye,which may bad effect in vision may be loss of vision.Usually starting with the peripheral or often associated with gradual damage to the nerve fibers that make up the optic nerve.IOP is currently the only treatable risk factor for glaucoma.
Who are at risk for glaucoma?
- People with a family history of glaucoma.
- People with diabetes.
- People over 40 years age.
- People who have used steroids for a long period if time.
- People with physical eye injuries
How is glaucoma diagnosed? A comprehensive eye check - up by an ophthalmologist is the best way to detect glaucoma.A complete eye examination includes measuring IOP and evaluating the drainage angle of the eye and the optic nerve.Additionally visual field tests are used to evaluate the peripheral vision of each eye.
How can Glaucoma be treated? While there is no cure for glaucoma,elevated IOP is currently the only treatable risk factor.It is important to treat aggressively with the most effective products such as prescripition eye drops that can provide maximum reduction of elevated IOP with long term control.In some cases,surgery can also help.It is important for patients to use medication as prescribed and maintain regular eye checkups with an ophthalmologist who can evaluate glaucoma progression and treatment options.
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