Glaucoma is a group of eye infections that result to optic nerve damage eventually leading to complete loss of vision. It gradually damages the vision and may not be noticed until when it reaches an advanced stage. It is one of the major causes of blindness in most parts of the world, especially in the United States. Before treating glaucoma San Antonio dwellers need to understand some facts.
The disease is said to be caused by intraocular pressure from the buildup of aqueous humor that flows in and out of the eye. The fluid normally leaves the eye through a drainage system at the point where the cornea and the iris meet. Improper working of the drainage prevents the filtration of the fluid at a normal rate thereby leading to buildup of intraocular pressure.
The disease can be categorized into different forms, either as primary when the cause is unknown or secondary when the problem can be traced to a known cause. The most common type is the primary open-angle glaucoma. The open-angle is a form of the disease that has no noticeable symptoms or signs except gradual loss of vision. Its symptoms include gradual loss of peripheral vision that affects both eyes and tunnel vision in the acute stages.
Angle-closure glaucoma has completely different symptoms. The infected person mostly feels pain in the eyes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The patient also experiences sudden onset of visual disturbance especially in low light. There is also blurred vision due to reddening of the eye and halos around lights. Other rare types of the disease are pigmentary, developmental and normal-tension glaucoma.
Even though the condition can be devastating, appropriate management progression can slow the infection and hence minimizing the adverse effects. Early diagnosis and treatment are thereby important for minimizing or preventing optic nerve destruction and limiting related vision problems. Regular examination of the eye with San Antonio TX eye specialists should be done regularly in order for one to be sure of his/her intraocular pressure.
The treatment and prevention of the condition begins with a comprehensive and regular eye checkup for all adults beginning from the age of 40. This should be done after every three to five years for those without glaucoma risk factors. On the other hand, screening needs to be done after every two years for those with the disease signs or those above 60 years old.
Measures like checking of the visual fields, contrast sensitivity and intraocular pressure are also part of standard care for the disease and are important for its successful management. They can provide information that enables the doctor to select the best mode of treatment. The latter includes things like referral to a low vision specialist.
Occupation therapists can also assist patients by improving the lighting in their homes or recommending adaptive equipment. In addition, they train the patients on their use. Institutions like Lighthouse International or the American foundation for the blind also provide effective resources for patients adapting vision loss.
Discussing and sharing ones condition of glaucoma is therefore necessary in improving on communication and better treatment by the optician. It essential for one to be well informed, make healthy choices and be organized in keeping a health routine that will be helpful in managing the disease. For those who do not have it then such information can help them prevent it.
The disease is said to be caused by intraocular pressure from the buildup of aqueous humor that flows in and out of the eye. The fluid normally leaves the eye through a drainage system at the point where the cornea and the iris meet. Improper working of the drainage prevents the filtration of the fluid at a normal rate thereby leading to buildup of intraocular pressure.
The disease can be categorized into different forms, either as primary when the cause is unknown or secondary when the problem can be traced to a known cause. The most common type is the primary open-angle glaucoma. The open-angle is a form of the disease that has no noticeable symptoms or signs except gradual loss of vision. Its symptoms include gradual loss of peripheral vision that affects both eyes and tunnel vision in the acute stages.
Angle-closure glaucoma has completely different symptoms. The infected person mostly feels pain in the eyes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The patient also experiences sudden onset of visual disturbance especially in low light. There is also blurred vision due to reddening of the eye and halos around lights. Other rare types of the disease are pigmentary, developmental and normal-tension glaucoma.
Even though the condition can be devastating, appropriate management progression can slow the infection and hence minimizing the adverse effects. Early diagnosis and treatment are thereby important for minimizing or preventing optic nerve destruction and limiting related vision problems. Regular examination of the eye with San Antonio TX eye specialists should be done regularly in order for one to be sure of his/her intraocular pressure.
The treatment and prevention of the condition begins with a comprehensive and regular eye checkup for all adults beginning from the age of 40. This should be done after every three to five years for those without glaucoma risk factors. On the other hand, screening needs to be done after every two years for those with the disease signs or those above 60 years old.
Measures like checking of the visual fields, contrast sensitivity and intraocular pressure are also part of standard care for the disease and are important for its successful management. They can provide information that enables the doctor to select the best mode of treatment. The latter includes things like referral to a low vision specialist.
Occupation therapists can also assist patients by improving the lighting in their homes or recommending adaptive equipment. In addition, they train the patients on their use. Institutions like Lighthouse International or the American foundation for the blind also provide effective resources for patients adapting vision loss.
Discussing and sharing ones condition of glaucoma is therefore necessary in improving on communication and better treatment by the optician. It essential for one to be well informed, make healthy choices and be organized in keeping a health routine that will be helpful in managing the disease. For those who do not have it then such information can help them prevent it.
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