Glaucoma is a group of eye infections that result to optic nerve damage eventually leading to complete loss of vision. It gradually damages the vision and may not be noticed until when it reaches an advanced stage. It is one of the major causes of blindness in most parts of the world, especially in the United States. Before treating glaucoma San Antonio dwellers need to understand some facts.
The disease is said to be caused by intraocular pressure from the buildup of aqueous humor that flows in and out of the eye. The fluid normally leaves the eye through a drainage system at the point where the cornea and the iris meet. Improper working of the drainage prevents the filtration of the fluid at a normal rate thereby leading to buildup of intraocular pressure.
The condition is classified into various forms; primary for the type whose source is unknown or secondary in-case the source of the infection is known. Mostly occurring is the primary open-angle type whose signs are generally not easily noticeable except the steady loss of vision. A symptom such as peripheral vision loss affects both eyes at severe stages.
The Angle-closure type has totally different symptoms as mostly the patient experiences pain in his/her eyes as well as nausea and vomiting. Patients similarly suffer from abrupt onset of vision impairment especially in faint light. Unclear vision is also experienced as a result of eye reddening and halos from lights rays. Other rare types of the illness include normal-tension, developmental and pigmentary glaucoma.
The disease can be troublesome, but with sufficient management its progression can be reduced hence lowering its adverse effects. Diagnosis and treatment at early stage is thus important to prevent or minimize destruction of the optic nerve and check vision problems of glaucoma. Conventional eye examination is thus important for patients to ensure intraocular pressure checkup.
The treatment and prevention of the condition begins with a comprehensive and regular eye checkup for all adults beginning from the age of 40. This should be done after every three to five years for those without glaucoma risk factors. On the other hand, screening needs to be done after every two years for those with the disease signs or those above 60 years old.
Measures like checking of the visual fields, contrast sensitivity and intraocular pressure are also part of standard care for the disease and are important for its successful management. They can provide information that enables the doctor to select the best mode of treatment. The latter includes things like referral to a low vision specialist.
Occupation therapists can also assist patients by improving the lighting in their homes or recommending adaptive equipment. In addition, they train the patients on their use. Institutions like Lighthouse International or the American foundation for the blind also provide effective resources for patients adapting vision loss.
Sharing of information regularly between the physician and the patient on the condition is always advised as it enables the physician to know the right treatment method to be used. It is also essential for one to be well informed in making healthy decisions that enhance the management of glaucoma. This will help in prevention of new infections.
The disease is said to be caused by intraocular pressure from the buildup of aqueous humor that flows in and out of the eye. The fluid normally leaves the eye through a drainage system at the point where the cornea and the iris meet. Improper working of the drainage prevents the filtration of the fluid at a normal rate thereby leading to buildup of intraocular pressure.
The condition is classified into various forms; primary for the type whose source is unknown or secondary in-case the source of the infection is known. Mostly occurring is the primary open-angle type whose signs are generally not easily noticeable except the steady loss of vision. A symptom such as peripheral vision loss affects both eyes at severe stages.
The Angle-closure type has totally different symptoms as mostly the patient experiences pain in his/her eyes as well as nausea and vomiting. Patients similarly suffer from abrupt onset of vision impairment especially in faint light. Unclear vision is also experienced as a result of eye reddening and halos from lights rays. Other rare types of the illness include normal-tension, developmental and pigmentary glaucoma.
The disease can be troublesome, but with sufficient management its progression can be reduced hence lowering its adverse effects. Diagnosis and treatment at early stage is thus important to prevent or minimize destruction of the optic nerve and check vision problems of glaucoma. Conventional eye examination is thus important for patients to ensure intraocular pressure checkup.
The treatment and prevention of the condition begins with a comprehensive and regular eye checkup for all adults beginning from the age of 40. This should be done after every three to five years for those without glaucoma risk factors. On the other hand, screening needs to be done after every two years for those with the disease signs or those above 60 years old.
Measures like checking of the visual fields, contrast sensitivity and intraocular pressure are also part of standard care for the disease and are important for its successful management. They can provide information that enables the doctor to select the best mode of treatment. The latter includes things like referral to a low vision specialist.
Occupation therapists can also assist patients by improving the lighting in their homes or recommending adaptive equipment. In addition, they train the patients on their use. Institutions like Lighthouse International or the American foundation for the blind also provide effective resources for patients adapting vision loss.
Sharing of information regularly between the physician and the patient on the condition is always advised as it enables the physician to know the right treatment method to be used. It is also essential for one to be well informed in making healthy decisions that enhance the management of glaucoma. This will help in prevention of new infections.
