Modern advances in medical technologies have made it possible for people to better understand some of the diseases of the eyes. Glaucoma is an eye disease that has been classified into four different types. It is a progressive and incurable disorder that happens gradually without warning.
People very seldom notice the changes in their vision until it gets past the early stage. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over the age of 60. Although it can happen at any age, it is most common in senior citizens.
Causes of Glaucoma
Damage to the optic nerve is the cause of this eye condition. The optic nerves are responsible for transmitting images and information to the brain. When it is damaged, it causes intraocular pressure inside the eye to become abnormally high.
If the damage continues, it can cause permanent blindness. It is important for people over the age of 40 with a family history of the disease should have a complete eye exam at least every two years. Certain health issues like diabetes put a person at a greater risk of developing Glaucoma.
Types and symptoms of Glaucoma
The symptoms of Glaucoma depend on the type and stage of the disease. The Open Angle type of Glaucoma starts with blind spots in the peripheral vision usually in both eyes, and tunnel vision in advanced stages of the disease. Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma may begin with headache, eye pain, nausea and vomiting, Blurred vision, redness, and halos around lights.
Pigmentary Glaucoma is when the pigment granules from the iris of the eye build up causing a blockage in the channels and prevent fluid from exiting the eye. Normal tension Glaucoma is when optic nerve damage occurs even when the eye pressure is at the normal range. Congenital glaucoma is a rare type of Glaucoma that can exist at birth.
It can also develop soon after birth. Parents may notice that their child may have a sensitivity to light, or that the eyes are cloudy and enlarged. The eyes may also experience watering. Surgery will be needed to help this type of Glaucoma.
Diagnosis of Glaucoma
Glaucoma can be diagnosed by having a Glaucoma test done on the eyes. This is a test that has become a normal practice when visiting an eye doctor or Personal Eyes Surgeons. The test usually determines the amount of pressure in the eyes and lets the doctor know if Glaucoma is present. This test starts with some eye drops being put into the eye to allow for accurate pressure measurement.
After being diagnosed with Glaucoma, medication or eye drops will be prescribed to help lower the pressure. In some instances, surgery can be performed, but with temporary results. Glaucoma will worsen with time and is irreversible.
Many people choose to have the surgery even though they know that another may be required to allow them to have some vision. The majority of older adults with limited vision have advanced stage Glaucoma.
Although glaucoma has no warning signs, everyone over the age of 40 should have regular eye exams. Most of the time, only a doctor will know if the disease is present. By the time that an individual notice that something is wrong with their vision, the disease may already be in the advanced stages.
If you are using ready glasses to help make the print larger, you probably need to see your Eye Specialist for a proper diagnosis. Millions of people, especially older adults, have Glaucoma and are not aware of it.
