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Glaucoma
(Jus Kuntree)
Glaucoma is something I often hear about, but have never really taken the time
to try to understand. I think as I grow older though, it comes more to the forefront of my mind.
Glaucoma is related to diseases which involve the optic nerve, and which may consist
of open angle, closed angle, or other types. When left untreated, it results in permanent damage
to the optic nerve, which can then lead to blindness. One critical risk factor that may lead to
glaucoma, is increased intraocular pressure. Unfortunately, in many instances a person may not
even be aware there is a problem, until it has progressed to the point that a great deal of damage
has already occurred. As a rule, in the early stages, symptoms are totally absent. One could
literally end up blindsided.
In looking at the different types of glaucoma, the majority of cases are of the open angle
type, which affects approximately 95% of those diagnosed. As the condition progresses, symptoms
will eventually manifest as the optic nerve becomes more damaged, which then leads to a loss of
peripheral vision. If left unchecked, and no measures are taken to deal with the disease, those
affected may very well end up losing their sight altogether.
There are a number of risk factors to be considered when thinking of this type of glaucoma.
Some of the stronger risk factors may include the presence of a thin cornea, increased cupping of
the optic nerve, family history of the disease, and age factors. Other factors which may pose
increased risks for open angle glaucoma include, hypertension, diabetes, severe nearsightedness,
the use of corticosteroids, and eye injury.
The other most common glaucoma, closed angle, may manifest itself in two ways, either
acutely, or chronically. In cases where acute onset occurs, it is sudden, and immediate treatment
is critical, or blindness could occur within a matter of a couple of days. Within the eye is
fluid that should flow freely between the iris and the lens. When this flow is interrupted by
a blockage, one may experience blurring of vision, or when looking at a light, a rainbow colored
halo may be present, surrounding the light. Other symptoms that may be experienced are severe pain,
nausea, and/or vomiting.
a longer period of time, and early on in the disease, symptoms are usually absent, and damage is
occurring unnoticed.
Risk factors involved with this type include a family history of the disease, farsightedness,
age, or having had damage to the eye.
Some other types of glaucoma are normal tension, congenital, juvenile, and secondary, which
includes the following; pigmentary, pseudoexfoliation, neovascular, and iridocorneal endothelial syndrome.
How do you avoid glaucoma? Well there are no guarantees that you can, but maintaining a healthy
diet, and good exercise may help. Limiting your intake of caffeine, protecting your eyes from
sunlight, not smoking, and keeping your blood pressure at a normal level, may also help decrease the
chances of developing glaucoma. And of course, always stay up to date on your eye exams.
Glaucoma Resources
http://www.ahaf.org/glaucoma/?gclid=CI7JqpPvgJgCFQ2LDQodA2PWCQ
Glaucoma Research Foundation
http://www.glaucoma.org/index.php
 
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