Glaucoma Defined … Examine - Treat - Repeat
As January has been designated Glaucoma Awareness month, this month’s blogs will reflect on this disease along with golden nuggets of information.
Do you know what glaucoma is – (besides being one of the leading causes of blindness in adults over 60 years of age)? This disease damages the eye’s optic nerve by putting pressure on the eye from fluid that builds up at the front of the eye. Conversely, in the healthy eye fluid leaves through a drainage angle.
(Photo below credited to aao.org and found on link mentioned at end of this blog.)
There are 2 major types of glaucoma and the most common is Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) which occurs gradually and without obvious symptoms when the drainage angle becomes clogged. In open-angle glaucoma there are no warning signs in the early stages, however blind spots eventually appear in the peripheral vision. By the time vision is affected the disease is well progressed. It is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight”. The only way to prevent loss of vision from this disease is by regular eye exams for early diagnosis and treatment.
In Angle-Closure Glaucoma, those at risk do not present with symptoms before an attack. However, signs to be alert to include blurred vision, seeing a halo or rainbow, mild headache, eye pain, redness in the eye, decreased vision, nausea and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms call right away for an appointment (302-652-3353).
Normal Tension Glaucoma is another type and it describes those who have intraocular pressures within a normal range, but show other symptoms such as blind spots. The optic nerve becomes damaged.
Glaucoma Suspect diagnosis is attributed to those who have no signs of damage but do have higher than normal intraocular pressures (ocular hypertension). These patients are at high risk of developing glaucoma and should be carefully monitored.
To put your mind at ease about developing this disease (or other eye disease) remember to see your ophthalmologist routinely. Our doctors at EPS are all about prevention and early treatment. So be examined, be treated and be monitored for your optic nerve health.
Information for this blog was taken from articles found on the following link:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma and continuing to glaucoma symptoms. Further blogs this month may touch on interesting articles such as glaucoma and neckties – is there a connection?
