Facts About Glaucoma San Antonio

By Enid Hinton


The groups of conditions that result in optic nerve damage are referred to as glaucoma. This normally causes loss of vision. The loss is attributed to increased pressure within eyes. It is among the leading causes of blindness. This form of vision loss could be so gradual so that it remains unnoticed until it gets to more advanced stages. In considering treatment of glaucoma San Antonio residents should know various facts about the condition.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common and has no noticeable signs other than gradual loss of vision. If the condition is diagnosed and treated early, the damage to the optic nerve will be prevented and thus the loss of vision that would result limited. The eyes need regular examination during which the doctor needs to measure the intraocular pressure. This pressure results from build-up of aqueous humor. This is the fluid that flows in and out of the eye.

There are various symptoms for the different types of the condition. Gradual peripheral vision loss in both eyes is experienced in open angle glaucoma. In the more advanced stages, tunnel vision will result. Acute closure glaucoma comes with blurred vision, eye pain, nausea, eye reddening and halos around lights. The conditions are called primary when they do not have known causes and secondary when the cause is able to be traced.

Eye specialists recommend that individuals do not wait until there are noticeable problems before seeking medical intervention. For adults aged forty and above, there should be checkups once in every three to five years so that any risk factors are dealt with. This is not however the same for persons of over sixty years. This category of people will need screening every once in a year or two.

Knowing the risk factors will be important. The most common risk factor is the internal pressure of the eyes. Should it be higher than normal, one will be at an increased risk of getting the disease. It should however be noted that not all people with high intraocular pressure will contract the disease. The age will be another crucial factor. Mexican-Americans who are over sixty years old are at higher risk. African-Americans will develop the disease when they are younger.

Family history plays a major role because the disease has a genetic link. Thus if the disease runs within the family, one will be at a greater risk. Such people should go for regular checkups. Medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes also increase the risk of contraction.

When the eyes are severely injured, they will likely have increased pressure. Other conditions such as eye inflammation, eye tumors, retinal detachment and lens dislocation are also risk factors. The same applies to some forms of eye surgery. People that suffer from short sightedness or long sightedness are also more at risk.

Prevention will be important in dealing with glaucoma. Treatment of elevated eye pressure, wearing eye protection and eating healthy are some of the preventive measures. Wearing eye protection will prevent serious injuries. Healthy diets improve mental and physical health.




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