Why Is Glaucoma Awareness Important?

In America, Glaucoma accounts for 9-12 percent of the blind population. Approximately 3 million persons have lost their sight from glaucoma. These numbers are replicated across the world and expected to increase if nothing is done.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of progressive eye conditions that causes unusually high intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma can occur in people of all ages. But, it is most prevalent among older adults, 60 years and above. Unfortunately, many forms of the disease have no warnings. Their effects are also so gradual you do not notice that your vision is changing until you get to the advanced stages.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

The visible signs of glaucoma depend on the form of your condition and the stage you are at. For angle-closure glaucoma, you may have blurred vision, eye redness, severe headache, and eye pain. You may also be nauseous, vomit, and see halos around lights.

With open-angle glaucoma, you have patchy blind spots in your central and peripheral vision. Also, as the disease advances, you may develop tunnel vision.

Without timely intervention, glaucoma leads to permanent blindness. But, even with treatment, many people still lose their sight, often in one eye, over 20 years.

So, if you experience a few of the symptoms listed above, rush to the ophthalmologist’s office. The earlier your condition is diagnosed, the sooner you can start treatment.

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma develops when your optic nerve suffers damage. As the condition of the nerve deteriorates, you continually develop blind spots in your visual field.

Doctors relate this nerve damage to heightened intraocular pressure. The pressure comes from the buildup of aqueous humor, the fluid that flows all around the inside of your eye. Usually, this fluid goes in and drains out through the trabecular meshwork. The trabecular meshwork is a tissue located at the angle the cornea meets the iris. But, without proper drainage or overproduction of the fluid, the fluid builds up inside the eye.

Glaucoma Risk Factors

Since glaucoma is a silent condition, beware of the following risk factors. If you have any of these, keep watch for the following possible signs of the disease:

• A family history of glaucoma.

• Aged 60 years and above.

• Increased internal eye pressure.

• A thin cornea.

• Extreme myopia or hyperopia.

• A recent eye injury or particular eye surgery.

• Being of Asian, African, or Hispanic descent.

• Chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and high blood pressure.

• Long-term use of corticosteroid medication.

Glaucoma Prevention

Taking precautionary steps may aid early detection of glaucoma or slow its progress. They include:

1. Get Protection for Your Eyes

Since an injury to your eyes can cause glaucoma, it’s only safe to wear eye protection. Whenever you use power tools or play rough sports, ensure that your eyes are protected first.

2. Unearth Your Family’s Eye Health

Glaucoma is an inherited condition that runs in families. If glaucoma is in your family, you are predisposed to it. You may need regular screening to diagnose it when it comes up.

3. Exercise Safely

Have regular moderate exercise to bring down eye pressure and prevent glaucoma. Ask a physical therapist to recommend the right exercise regime.

4. Have Regular Eye Exams

Going for regular comprehensive eye exams may catch glaucoma in its early stage. If you have any of the predisposing factors, go for routine screening. Ask the doctor to customize a screening schedule for you.

For a comprehensive eye exam, visit Primary Vision Care in Newark and Lancaster, Mount Vernon, Wilmington, and Waynesville, Ohio. Call 740-299-1155 to reach the Newark office and 740-654-9909 to contact the Lancaster office. Reach our Mount Vernon office on 740-393-6010, the Wilmington office on 937-382-4933, and the Waynesville office on 513-897-2211.