What is glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that involves damage to the optic nerve.This nerve sends visual singnals to the brain,where they are processed into what you 'see.'No one knows exactly what causes glaucoma,but pressure buildup in the eye is proven to be a major risk factor.
When the pressure in the eye gets too high, the optic nerve can get damaged.This damage causes some signals from the eye not to reach the brain.The result is that you can't 'see' everything our eye sees. This leads to a reduced visual field,and if not managed,may even lead to blindness.
Glaucoma - is prevention possible?
There's actually nothing you can do to prevent Glaucoma. However, with early detection, you could reduce the impact on the optic nerve, as the damage once done is irreversible. The best way to tackle this disease is through regular eye checkups. The normal range is around 10-20 mmHg. If your readings show a variation, further tests to gauge your field of vision and imaging (OCT: Nerve fibre layer analysis)to assess the damage to your optic nerve will be carried out.
Glaucoma - get treated, before it's too late
Glaucoma can be treated with external medication or surgery. The medication generally involves the usage of eye drops to reduce the pressure. A surgery helps to open up the blocks in the drainage pipe to enable the outflow of the fluid. This can be performed by a procedure called Trabeculectomy or using LASER.
Who gets glaucoma?
Glaucoma strikes people of every race, gender and nationality.Anyone can develop glaucoma,but some people are at greater risk than others.Studies have proven that anyone who meets one or more of the following criteria is at increased risk:
- Over the age of 40
- Family history of glaucoma
- Abnormally high IOP
- Diabetic
- Nearsighted
- Regular,long-term use of steroids/cortisone
- Previous eye injury
It is important that anyone with any of these risk factors get regular eye checkups.Early detection and treatment of glaucoma can slow the progression of the disease.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
any people don't know they have glaucoma until they start to lose their eyesight,gradually. However, eye doctors can detect and treat glaucoma before most patients experience any symptoms.
Glaucoma develops slowly over time,which is why many patients will go years before noticing any symptoms.Patients with glaucoma may experience a gradual narrowing of their peripheral vision.
TUNNEL VISION
A simulation of what a glaucoma patient may 'see' This is the first symptom most glaucoma patients notice, and may indicate that the optic nerve has been damaged.