The eyes are a part of the body that are indeed beautiful. They come in various shapes and sizes and also colours defining its beauty. But this part can be diseased by various conditions,one of such condition is called glaucoma.
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Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve of the eye is damaged resulting in loss of vision. The optic nerve is one important part of the eyes that supplies the brain information relating to anything visual from the eye especially the retina. For it (the optic nerve) to be damaged shows how concerning glaucoma can be.
This condition occurs sometimes as a result of increased level of pressure build up in the eye. This pressure is known as increased intra ocular pressure. With time, this pressure gets increased and the optic nerve is damaged leading to loss of vision. If this isn't treated, permanent blindness is inevitable.
Early symptoms of glaucoma or pain are not being noticed in some people. It has been referred to as "the silent thief of sight" as its occurrence is usually slow over a period causing vision loss. Glaucoma comes second worldwide as the leading cause of blindness. In the world, there are about 5-67 million people affected with glaucoma. It commonly affects people who are much older or aged.
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ARE YOU AT RISK?
You are at risk of having glaucoma with the underlying cases :
- having an increased form of pressure in the eye? You might be at risk.
- glaucoma present in family history
- Over 40-50 years of age
- diabetes
- use of steroids
- increased blood pressure
CAUSES OF GLAUCOMA
A fluid called aqueous humor is made at the back of the eye constantly. As this continues, it fills the frontal eye. This fluid is then ejected from the eye through channels structured in a mesh like manner. If the ejection of this fluid is prevented or obstructed, the fluid accumulates thereby increasing the intra ocular pressure. Further increase of this pressure (IOP) can lead to the damage of the optic nerve resulting in permanent loss of vision. There can be other causes which are less common such as eye infection, an injury to the eye, low blood flow to the optic nerve.
EXISTING TYPES OF GLAUCOMA
There are varying types of glaucoma. These can be;
Open angle glaucoma ;this is also known as chronic glaucoma and the most common type. It usually develops over a long period and there might not be any prior pain experienced. Loss of vision is a gradual process
Angle closure glaucoma ;this is also known as acute glaucoma. It occurs suddenly presenting some symptoms or signs such as nausea, redness of the eyes, pain in the eye and blurred vision.
Cogenital glaucoma :this usually occurs in children born with a defect in the eye. In this case, fluid drainage in the eye is slow. Symptoms such as cloudy nature of the eye and sensitivity of the eye to light is usually common.
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SYMPTOMS OF GLAUCOMA
The open angle glaucoma usually have no symptoms before its occurrence. This is the reason why regular check-up for the eye is important and necessary. For others such as the acute glaucoma, some signs and symptoms can suddenly develop. These can include ;
- sudden acute pain
- redness of the eye
- nausea and vomiting
- cloudiness in the eye
- loss of vision
- increased intra ocular pressure
DIAGNOSIS
You've noticed one or two of these signs and symptoms. What next? Having your eyes checked by the ophthalmologist. The optic nerve of the eye will be checked for glaucoma presence. Various other tests can be carried out such as tonometry test.
TREATMENT FOR GLAUCOMA
Reducing the increased form of pressure in the eye is what is to be attained in carrying out treatment. At first, prescription eye drops are recommended. If no improvement, Other forms such as use of laser and micro surgery can be performed.
The use of eye drops tend to reduce fluid formation in the eye or helps in the outflow of fluid. But sometimes, it comes with side effects. Some are allergic to eye drops. There can be occurrence of eye redness, irritating feelings in the eye and blurred vision.
Lasers or its surgery are helpful to reduce pressure in the eye. Surgery such as laser iridoctomy - which involves making openings in the iris of the eye to promote movement of eye fluid.
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The next question on your mind is
HOW CAN I PREVENT GLAUCOMA
The occurrence of glaucoma as at now, can't be prevented. This is not to scare you. It is important that noticing any symptoms allows for early diagnosis and proper treatment to prevent permanent damage to the eye. At this stage/state, you can be able to control it. It is also important that you have a regular eye check up and test with an expert like an ophthalmologist. This test carried out can help detect glaucoma presence and prevent further damage causing loss of vision which cannot be restored.
Thank you for reading