Glaucoma is the name given to a group of diseases that are associated with damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain. The optic nerve sends visual signals to the eye and is critical for normal vision. An increase in the pressure in the eye (intra-ocular pressure ) is a major risk factor for glaucoma.
Risk and Prevention
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness which can affect anyone. However, people who are at higher risk include those over 60 years of age and those with a family history of glaucoma.
Signs and Symptoms
Initially, you may not notice anything different, vision remains the same and there is no pain.
As the disease progresses, you may notice your side vision gradually failing. Objects in front of you may still be visible quite clearly, while the objects to the sides may be missed. As the disease worsens, the field of vision narrows and blindness results.
Treatments
Even though there is no cure for open-angle glaucoma, it can be controlled. The most common treatments are as follows:
Medications:
This is usually in the form of eye drops. Some reduce pressure by slowing down the production of fluid produced in the eye. Others help to improve fluid drainage out of the eye.
For most people with glaucoma, regular use of medications will control the increased fluid pressure. Some drugs may stop working over time, or they may cause side effects. If a problem occurs, the eye care professional may select other drugs, change the dose, or suggest other ways to deal with the problem.
Laser surgery: During laser surgery, a strong beam of light is focused on the part of the anterior chamber where the fluid leaves the eye. This surgery results in a series of small changes that make it easier for fluid to exit the eye. Over time, the effect of laser surgery may wear off. Patients who have this form of surgery may need to keep taking glaucoma drugs.
Surgery: Surgery can also help fluid escape from the eye and thereby reduce the pressure.
However, surgery is usually reserved for patients whose pressure cannot be controlled with eye drops, pills, or laser surgery.
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Source: keepeyesinsight.co.za