Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by damage to the optic nerve. Initially there are no significant symptoms. Gradually the vision will be robbed without any warning. Many people who actually have glaucoma do not know they have the disease. Glaucoma can lead to blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. The WHO estimates that there are 60 million glaucoma patients worldwide. After cataracts, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. About 12 million people in India are affected by glaucoma. But more than half of them are ignorant about it.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a vision problem caused by damage to the optic nerve that transmits signals from the eye to the brain. The biggest risk factor is high IOP or intraocular pressure. This is considered normal 12‐21. However, in a person with glaucoma, it can rise to the limit and put pressure on the optic nerve, damaging the nerves. Aqueous humor is the fluid that keeps the pressure in balance in a healthy eye. It usually passes through the anterior chamber of the eye, the anterior chamber of the eye, and flows through the drainage angle of the eye. When this system fails, the aqueous humor is unable to flow properly and it builds up and increases the pressure on the eye. Thus the optic nerve is damaged. Failure to seek treatment on time can lead to permanent vision loss within a short period of time.
There are several types of glaucoma,
1. Open angle
2. Angle closure.
Symptoms:
1. Open angle glaucoma has no initial symptoms. visual feild loss will occur when the optic nerve is damaged. This will initially affect the view from the sides. Therefore, the patient does not experience visual impairment. But as the disease progresses, the feild of vision shrinks and becomes visible through a tunnel. This is called tunnelvision. By then the vision will begin to fade.
2. Angle Closure Glaucoma Sudden pain in the eye, blurred vision, and light halo around light sources. Extreme levels of dehydration (> 30 mm Hg) may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Vision may be completely lost if not treated immediately.
Who is at risk?
People with a family history of glaucoma Over the age of 40 People with diabetes People with long-term use of steroids .
How to prevent Glaucoma?
A thorough examination by an ophthalmologist is a good way to diagnose glaucoma. A complete eye examination may include IOP measurement, gonioscopy, and assessment of optic nerve function. In addition, the peripheral field of view can be calculated using visual field tests. High IOP, the main symptom of glaucoma. Glaucoma, like any other lifestyle disease, is a lifelong disease. Increased IOP can be controlled with effective drops. In some cases, laser treatment and surgery may be helpful. Glaucoma is a disorder that is affecting more and more people. However, with proper diagnosis and early detection, the disease can be prevented with proper treatment. Thus, we can avoid losing our eyesight. Therefore it is important for the patient to use the prescribed medication and see the ophthalmologist regularly.
Source: Internet Research
nice
You must be logged in to post a comment.