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Essential Facts On Glaucoma San Antonio

By Enid Hinton


Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve. This may cause loss of vision. This loss results from the abnormally high pressure within the eye. This condition is among the leading causes of blindness. The loss of sight may be so gradual that one may not notice until it is at an advanced stage. When considering treatment of glaucoma San Antonio residents have various facts to consider.

The most common type is open angle glaucoma that does not have any noticeable signs apart from vision loss. With early diagnosis and treatment, damage to the optic nerve is prevented and therefore vision loss limited. With regular eye examination, the doctor will measure intraocular pressure and ensure it is at acceptable levels. The pressure is caused by build-up of the fluid known as aqueous humor. The fluid flows in and out of eyes.

The various types of this condition have differing symptoms. For the open angle type, one will experience gradual loss of peripheral vision, normally in both eyes. In the more advanced stages, there will be tunnel vision. The acute closure type is characterized by eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, reddening of the eyes and halos around lights. Both conditions are referred to as primary when the cause is unknown and secondary when their cause may be traced to known causes.

Eye specialists recommend that individuals do not wait until there are noticeable problems before seeking medical intervention. For adults aged forty and above, there should be checkups once in every three to five years so that any risk factors are dealt with. This is not however the same for persons of over sixty years. This category of people will need screening every once in a year or two.

Knowing the risk factors will be important. The most common risk factor is the internal pressure of the eyes. Should it be higher than normal, one will be at an increased risk of getting the disease. It should however be noted that not all people with high intraocular pressure will contract the disease. The age will be another crucial factor. Mexican-Americans who are over sixty years old are at higher risk. African-Americans will develop the disease when they are younger.

Family history plays a major role because the disease has a genetic link. Thus if the disease runs within the family, one will be at a greater risk. Such people should go for regular checkups. Medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes also increase the risk of contraction.

When the eyes are severely injured, they will likely have increased pressure. Other conditions such as eye inflammation, eye tumors, retinal detachment and lens dislocation are also risk factors. The same applies to some forms of eye surgery. People that suffer from short sightedness or long sightedness are also more at risk.

Prevention will be important in dealing with glaucoma. Treatment of elevated eye pressure, wearing eye protection and eating healthy are some of the preventive measures. Wearing eye protection will prevent serious injuries. Healthy diets improve mental and physical health.




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