Glaucoma
Glaucoma
is a silent thief of sight. It is among the leading
causes of adult blindness in the United States. There
are different types of glaucoma. Commonly, there is
no pain, and by the time a person can tell that there
is is a problem with their vision, it may be too late.
The best prevention against any loss of vision due
to glaucoma is to have a regular eye exam.
Drs.
Eger, Eger and Pallan evaluate four factors when assessing
for glaucoma:
1.
The intraocular pressure of the eye;
2. The shape and color appearance of the optic nerve
head;
3. The visual field;
4. And the shape of the eye between the iris (colored
part of the eye) and cornea (clear, crystal-like covering
over the iris).
An
aqueous fluid that is constantly being produced and
drained maintains the pressure in one's eye. When
the body produces too much aqueous or the drainage
of this fluid becomes compensated, the pressure in
the eye rises. This elevated pressure begins to damage
the optic nerve, and the blood supply to the optic
nerve may be limited resulting in a painless and gradual
loss of peripheral vision. Most people are unaware
of such loss.
Once
a patient is diagnosed with glaucoma, it can usually
be treated with topical eye drops. Sometimes oral
medications or surgery may be performed. This disease
cannot be cured, but with early intervention glaucoma
can be controlled!
RISK
FACTORS
