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 infection is categorized into different forms; primary form for those whose source cannot be determined and secondary for those with a traceable origin. The one that mostly occurs is the primary open-angle form whose symptoms are mostly go unnoticed except a steady vision impairment. It is also accompanied by loss of peripheral vision that affects both eyes in 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.
Open discussion between the patient and the physician on the condition is necessary for suitable treatment. One should also make healthy choices, be well informed and try taking healthy measures in glaucoma management. This will prevent healthy individuals from the infection.
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 infection is categorized into different forms; primary form for those whose source cannot be determined and secondary for those with a traceable origin. The one that mostly occurs is the primary open-angle form whose symptoms are mostly go unnoticed except a steady vision impairment. It is also accompanied by loss of peripheral vision that affects both eyes in 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.
Open discussion between the patient and the physician on the condition is necessary for suitable treatment. One should also make healthy choices, be well informed and try taking healthy measures in glaucoma management. This will prevent healthy individuals from the infection.
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