The groups of conditions that result in optic nerve damage are referred to as glaucoma. This normally causes loss of vision. The loss is attributed to increased pressure within eyes. It is among the leading causes of blindness. This form of vision loss could be so gradual so that it remains unnoticed until it gets to more advanced stages. In considering treatment of glaucoma San Antonio residents should know various facts about the condition.
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common and has no noticeable signs other than gradual loss of vision. If the condition is diagnosed and treated early, the damage to the optic nerve will be prevented and thus the loss of vision that would result limited. The eyes need regular examination during which the doctor needs to measure the intraocular pressure. This pressure results from build-up of aqueous humor. This is the fluid that flows in and out of the eye.
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.
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.
Knowing the risk factors will be important. The most common risk factor is the internal pressure of the eyes. Should it be higher than normal, one will be at an increased risk of getting the disease. It should however be noted that not all people with high intraocular pressure will contract the disease. The age will be another crucial factor. Mexican-Americans who are over sixty years old are at higher risk. African-Americans will develop the disease when they are younger.
The family history will play a very important role. People who have a family history of glaucoma are at a greater risk. The disease may have a genetic link. Thus people in whose families it runs should seek regular medical checkup. Some medical conditions also increase the risk, among them diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
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 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.
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common and has no noticeable signs other than gradual loss of vision. If the condition is diagnosed and treated early, the damage to the optic nerve will be prevented and thus the loss of vision that would result limited. The eyes need regular examination during which the doctor needs to measure the intraocular pressure. This pressure results from build-up of aqueous humor. This is the fluid that flows in and out of the eye.
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.
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.
Knowing the risk factors will be important. The most common risk factor is the internal pressure of the eyes. Should it be higher than normal, one will be at an increased risk of getting the disease. It should however be noted that not all people with high intraocular pressure will contract the disease. The age will be another crucial factor. Mexican-Americans who are over sixty years old are at higher risk. African-Americans will develop the disease when they are younger.
The family history will play a very important role. People who have a family history of glaucoma are at a greater risk. The disease may have a genetic link. Thus people in whose families it runs should seek regular medical checkup. Some medical conditions also increase the risk, among them diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
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 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.
0 commentaires: