ABOUT GLAUCOMA |
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What is a glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a not a well understood disease. Often, people don't realize the severity or who is affected. It is actually a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms. Experts estimate that half of the people affected by glaucoma may not know they have it.
Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain.
There is no cure for glaucoma yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progression of the disease.
It was once thought that high pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure or IOP, is the main cause of this optic nerve damage. Although IOP is clearly a risk factor, we now know that other factors must also be involved because even people with "normal" levels of pressure can experience vision loss from glaucoma.
The two main types of glaucoma are primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and angle closure glaucoma. These are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. When optic nerve damage has occurred despite a normal IOP, this is called normal tension glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease causes or contributes to increased eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss.
Treatment
Working With Your Doctor
Regular exams by your doctor can help detect glaucoma in its early stages, thus reducing permanent damage and preserving your vision. A good relationship with your ophthalmologist provides a strong foundation for managing your glaucoma.
Treating Glaucoma
Depending upon the type of glaucoma, treatment may include medication, usually prescription eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery to lower the pressure in the eye and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. While there is no cure as yet for glaucoma, early diagnosis and continuing treatment can and often does preserve eyesight.
Glaucoma Facts
Glaucoma can cause of blindness
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization. It can cause blindness if it is left untreated. And unfortunately approximately 10% of people with glaucoma who receive proper treatment still experience loss of vision.
There is no cure (yet) for glaucoma
Glaucoma is not curable, and vision lost cannot be regained, but it is treatable. With medication and/or surgery, it is possible to halt further loss of vision. Since glaucoma is a chronic condition, it must be monitored for life.
Diagnosis is the first step to preserving your vision.
Everyone is at risk for glaucoma
Everyone is at risk for glaucoma from babies to senior citizens. Yes, older people are at a higher risk for glaucoma but babies can be born with glaucoma (approximately 1 out of every 10,000 babies born in the United States).
Young adults can get glaucoma, too. African-Americans in particular are susceptible at a younger age.
There may be no symptoms to warn you
With open angle glaucoma, the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Usually, no pain is associated with increased eye pressure.
Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision. You may compensate for this unconsciously by turning your head to the side, and may not notice anything until significant vision is lost. The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get tested. If you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately.
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