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.

There are different symptoms of the various types of glaucoma. For instance, the open angle version is characterized by gradual loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes. Tunnel vision results in the more advanced stages. In acute closure glaucoma, there will be eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and reddening of the eyes. The condition is described as primary when its causes are unknown and secondary when the cause may be traced to known causes.

It is not advisable to wait until there are noticeable eye problems. The key to detection is to go for regular eye exams. It is recommended that adults aged forty and above have eye examinations every three to five years so that there are no risk factors. People over sixty years who have risk factors need to be screened every one or two years.

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.

Severe injuries to eyes could lead to increased eye pressure. Other eye conditions that increase chances of contraction of the condition are eye tumors, eye inflammation, dislocation of the lens and retinal detachment. Some surgeries of eyes also trigger glaucoma. Nearsighted and farsighted individuals are also at increased risk.

There are various preventive measures that need to be considered. Protecting the eyes, eating healthy and treating elevated intraocular pressure are just some of the ways to prevent glaucoma. Protecting the eyes prevents serious injuries.




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