Essential Facts On Glaucoma San Antonio

By Enid Hinton


Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve. This may cause loss of vision. This loss results from the abnormally high pressure within the eye. This condition is among the leading causes of blindness. The loss of sight may be so gradual that one may not notice until it is at an advanced stage. When considering treatment of glaucoma San Antonio residents have various facts to consider.

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 different symptoms of the various types of glaucoma. For instance, the open angle version is characterized by gradual loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes. Tunnel vision results in the more advanced stages. In acute closure glaucoma, there will be eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and reddening of the eyes. The condition is described as primary when its causes are unknown and secondary when the cause may be traced to known causes.

It is not advisable to wait until there are noticeable eye problems. The key to detection is to go for regular eye exams. It is recommended that adults aged forty and above have eye examinations every three to five years so that there are no risk factors. People over sixty years who have risk factors need to be screened every one or two years.

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.

Severe injuries to eyes could lead to increased eye pressure. Other eye conditions that increase chances of contraction of the condition are eye tumors, eye inflammation, dislocation of the lens and retinal detachment. Some surgeries of eyes also trigger glaucoma. Nearsighted and farsighted individuals are also at increased risk.

There are preventive measures that may be very instrumental. These include treating of elevated eye pressure, eating healthy diet and wearing eye protection. Wearing of protection will prevent serious eye injuries. A healthy diet improves physical and mental health.




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