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.
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!
SOME OF THE RISK FACTORS
- Increasing Age
- African American
- Family History
- Nearsightedness
- Ocular Trauma
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Asthma
- Oral Medications such as Steroids
WE EVALUATE FOUR FACTORS
1. The intraocular pressure of the eye;
2. The structure, shape and color appearance of the optic nerve head;
3. The function of optic pathway, 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).