|
Disorders and Diseases of the Eye: Glaucoma
Disorders of the Eye:
Diseases of the Eye:
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal pressure in your eyes increases enough to damage
the nerve fibers in your optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. The increase in pressure
may happen when the passages that normally allow fluid in your eyes to drain become
clogged or blocked, or from an overproduction of fluid into the eye.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. It
most often occurs in people over age 40. People with a family history of glaucoma, African
Americans, and those who are very nearsighted or diabetic are at a higher risk of
developing the disease.
The most common type of glaucoma develops gradually and
painlessly, without symptoms. A rarer type occurs rapidly and its symptoms may include
blurred vision, loss of side vision, seeing colored rings around lights and pain or
redness in the eyes.
Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and
treated early, it can be controlled. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. That is
why the American Optometric Association recommends annual eye examinations for people at
risk for glaucoma (your doctor may, depending on your condition, recommend more frequent
examinations). A comprehensive optometric examination will include a tonometry test to
measure the pressure in your eyes; an examination of the inside of your eyes and optic
nerves; and a visual field test to check for changes in central and side vision.
The treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye
drops and medicines to lower the pressure in your eyes. In some cases, laser treatment or
surgery may be effective in reducing pressure.
|
