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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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