A Few Things You Should Know about Glaucoma

  • Posted on: Jul 30 2019
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Eye health is an important aspect of our overall sense of well-being, so it is interesting that we talk very little about the serious conditions that affect millions of people in our country. Glaucoma is one of them. This common eye disease is the second-leading cause of blindness. It currently affects approximately 3 million Americans. These are vital details to know, but there are others.

  1. Glaucoma is caused by excess fluid.

The inner chamber of the eye is filled with fluid called the aqueous humor. This fluid is regenerated by the ciliary body, a small structure behind the iris. This fluid is what helps the eye maintain its spherical shape. Through the sclera, fluid exits the center of the eye to join a network of vessels outside the eye. This process of drainage and regeneration is vital to regulating intraocular pressure. Glaucoma occurs when fluid is not draining from the eye and pressure builds up, pressing on the optic nerve.

  • There are no early warning signs.

The first warning sign that one may get about glaucoma is a loss of vision caused by damage to the optic nerve. Depending on the type of glaucoma, vision may be suddenly affected. Immediate medical attention should be sought for symptoms including sudden halos or glares, blurriness, eye pain, nausea, or vomiting. Symptoms of glaucoma indicate that the eye has been irreversibly damaged. Prompt care from an ophthalmologist is vital to preserving what vision may be left.

  • An eye doctor can catch glaucoma

We have established the fact that glaucoma typically does not cause symptoms. So how can eyesight be protected at all? It’s pretty easy; see your eye doctor every year. Most cases of glaucoma can be detected by tonometry. Using a special instrument, an ophthalmologist measures eye pressure accurately and quickly. If this measurement comes back higher than 20 mmHg, further tests are ordered. Everyone should be tested for glaucoma, but certain groups of people have been identified as higher-risk. These include people of Mexican or African American descent, older individuals, and those with a family history of glaucoma.

There is No Cure, But Glaucoma Can be Treated

If your routine eye exam has indicated an increase in intraocular pressure, schedule further evaluation with an experienced ophthalmologist. Proper treatment of glaucoma using eye drops, medication, or surgery can preserve vision for many years.

Roholt Vision Institute has offices in Canfield, Alliance, and North Canton to serve your vision needs. Call a office near you today.

Posted in: Glaucoma

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