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More
facts on Glaucoma
In glaucoma, the
pressure inside the eyeball is high enough to cause damage to the optic
nerve. Similar to high blood pressure, patients cannot "feel" the pressure
in the eye except in rare and severe cases.
Glaucoma affects the
optic nerve which is found at the back of the eye. The optic nerve sends
visual information from the eye to the brain, allowing us to see.
Damage
starts with peripheral vision. The speed with which vision deteriorates is
usually slow and initially goes unnoticed in the average patient. As the
condition progresses, more nerve cells are damaged and the field of vision
narrows. If left unchecked, this process can lead to complete blindness.
In
many cases, glaucoma can be controlled with eyedrops.
When eye pressure
rises, it slowly destroys fibers in the optic nerve. As nerve fibers die,
the optic disc gets damaged. The result is called a cupped disc in which the
center has become pale in contrast to the healthy tissue around the rim.
Who Should Be Checked
For Glaucoma?
- A family history of
glaucoma
- 35 years of age or
older
- African Americans
- History of severe
eye inflammation or infection
- History of eye
trauma
- Previous eye
surgery
- Arthritis
- Steroid use, oral
or inhaled
- Diabetes
Early Detection of
Glaucoma Can Preserve Vision
There are two basic
categories of glaucoma:
Chronic Open Angle
Glaucoma
Chronic open angle glaucoma is the most common type. The "drainpipe" -
drainage angle of the eye - becomes less efficient over time, and pressure
within the eye gradually increases. More than 90 percent of glaucoma
patients have this type of glaucoma.
Acute Closed Angle
Glaucoma
Acute angle closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle of the eye is
suddenly completely blocked. It is as though a sheet of paper floating near
a drain suddenly drops over the opening and blocks the flow. In the eye, the
iris may act like that sheet of paper, closing off the drainage angle. When
this occurs, sudden, severe eye pain and loss of vision usually result.
Although glaucoma can't be cured, in most cases it can be successfully
controlled. The key to preservation of vision is twofold: early
diagnosis/treatment and routine follow-up care.
Because glaucoma is a
silent disease and usually begins without symptoms, it is necessary to test
for it on a regular basis. Annual eye exams help to detect glaucoma in its
earliest forms.
Glaucoma can usually
be controlled with eye drops. Today's medications are very effective and can
be easily integrated into your daily routine.
In-office laser
surgery is also used to treat glaucoma and decrease dependence on eye drops.
In some cases, glaucoma surgery may be required. Patients who have this
surgery often experience a dramatic decrease in pressure, which can preserve
their vision.
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