Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of various eye diseases that result in the optic nerve, in the back of the eye, is gradually destroyed. This is usually due in part to an increased pressure within the eye itself, which is the result of a blockage of the circulation of aqueous, or its drainage. Sometimes, however, this can be caused by poor blood supply to the optic nerve fibers. It is vital that optic nerve fibers receive an adequate amount of blood. Other causes of glaucoma include a weakness in the structure of the nerve or a health problem in the optic nerves themselves.

While this disease is increasingly more common as people age, it is possible for it to strike at any point in life. Because people in society are living longer, which results in a growth in the elder demographic, this is growing into a more prominent problem for the world.

Glaucoma Symptoms

Unfortunately for most people, chronic glaucoma, which is the most common variety of the disease, has no symptoms to speak of until the eventual vision loss occurs. The damage progress very gradually, which in turn very gradually destroys the vision. The damage usually begins with the side vision. Because this causes each eye to cover for each other, so to speak, the sufferer remains unaware of any problem rising. People usually remain unaware of the problem until more severe vision loss occurs, but the damage is irreversible.

Anyone can get glaucoma at any time, but there are certain risk factors involved that affect certain individuals and make them more likely to develop the disease. Risk factors include a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, migraines, myopia, eye injuries, blood pressure and past or present use of cortisone drugs, such as steroids. For people who are included within the increased risk group should have their eyes checked no later than the age of 35. Everyone else should have their eyes checked out by the age of 40.

Regular eye examinations are the best way to detect the development of glaucoma early. Tests usually include an optic nerve check using a opthalmoscope, eye pressure check and, if needed, a vision field assessment. The assessment will test the side vision, since that is always affected first.

Treatments

There is, unfortunately, no cure for glaucoma, nor can any treatment restore already lost vision. However, the disease can be controlled and further vision loss can be prevented or, at the very least, slowed down. Treatment options include eyedrops, which is the most common form of treatment and must be used on a regular basis. Sometimes, pills will be prescribed. Laser trabeculoplasty is another form of treatment offered when eyedrops do not work. Eyedrop usage will need to be continued post-treatment and the laser option does not usually require a hospital stay. Lastly, should both treatments fail, surgery is a final option.

In Closing...

To reiterate, treatment for glaucoma will not restore previously lost vision but can be controlled if caught at the right time.