Glaucoma disease is a collection of visual infections that destroy the optic nerves hence resulting to total vision loss. It might not be discovered until when it reaches advanced levels as vision impairment continues. The disease is one of the major causes of vision impairment in various parts of the world, mostly in US. However, prior to treating glaucoma San Antonio residents should first know some facts about the condition.
The cause of the disease can be attributed to the buildup of intraocular pressure from aqueous humor. This fluid is supposed to flow in and out of the eye. It normally exits the eye via the drainage system at the point where the cornea and the iris meet. The ineffective performance of the drainage in this case does not allow normal fluid filtration thus resulting to the accumulation of the fluid and creating pressure in the eye.
The disease can be categorized into different forms, either as primary when the cause is unknown or secondary when the problem can be traced to a known cause. The most common type is the primary open-angle glaucoma. The open-angle is a form of the disease that has no noticeable symptoms or signs except gradual loss of vision. Its symptoms include gradual loss of peripheral vision that affects both eyes and tunnel vision in the acute stages.
Angle-closure glaucoma has completely different symptoms. The infected person mostly feels pain in the eyes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The patient also experiences sudden onset of visual disturbance especially in low light. There is also blurred vision due to reddening of the eye and halos around lights. Other rare types of the disease are pigmentary, developmental and normal-tension glaucoma.
The disease can be troublesome, but with sufficient management its progression can be reduced hence lowering its adverse effects. Diagnosis and treatment at early stage is thus important to prevent or minimize destruction of the optic nerve and check vision problems of glaucoma. Conventional eye examination is thus important for patients to ensure intraocular pressure checkup.
The treatment of the disease begins with the regular and complete eye examination for all adults above 40 years old. It can be done in periods ranging from 3-5 years, for persons without the signs of the illness. Screening is also necessary within a two years interval for people showing signs of glaucoma or those over sixty years of age.
Measures like checking of the visual fields, contrast sensitivity and intraocular pressure are also part of standard care for the disease and are important for its successful management. They can provide information that enables the doctor to select the best mode of treatment. The latter includes things like referral to a low vision specialist.
Occupation analysts may also assist the infected individuals by modifying the lighting systems in their homes and recommend appropriate equipment. They may also train these patients on how to use the adopted equipment. American foundation or Lighthouse International organizations for blind people are institutions that can also provide important resources to people adapting to loss of vision, you San Antonio physician will therefore refer you if necessary.
Sharing of information regularly between the physician and the patient on the condition is always advised as it enables the physician to know the right treatment method to be used. It is also essential for one to be well informed in making healthy decisions that enhance the management of glaucoma. This will help in prevention of new infections.
The cause of the disease can be attributed to the buildup of intraocular pressure from aqueous humor. This fluid is supposed to flow in and out of the eye. It normally exits the eye via the drainage system at the point where the cornea and the iris meet. The ineffective performance of the drainage in this case does not allow normal fluid filtration thus resulting to the accumulation of the fluid and creating pressure in the eye.
The disease can be categorized into different forms, either as primary when the cause is unknown or secondary when the problem can be traced to a known cause. The most common type is the primary open-angle glaucoma. The open-angle is a form of the disease that has no noticeable symptoms or signs except gradual loss of vision. Its symptoms include gradual loss of peripheral vision that affects both eyes and tunnel vision in the acute stages.
Angle-closure glaucoma has completely different symptoms. The infected person mostly feels pain in the eyes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The patient also experiences sudden onset of visual disturbance especially in low light. There is also blurred vision due to reddening of the eye and halos around lights. Other rare types of the disease are pigmentary, developmental and normal-tension glaucoma.
The disease can be troublesome, but with sufficient management its progression can be reduced hence lowering its adverse effects. Diagnosis and treatment at early stage is thus important to prevent or minimize destruction of the optic nerve and check vision problems of glaucoma. Conventional eye examination is thus important for patients to ensure intraocular pressure checkup.
The treatment of the disease begins with the regular and complete eye examination for all adults above 40 years old. It can be done in periods ranging from 3-5 years, for persons without the signs of the illness. Screening is also necessary within a two years interval for people showing signs of glaucoma or those over sixty years of age.
Measures like checking of the visual fields, contrast sensitivity and intraocular pressure are also part of standard care for the disease and are important for its successful management. They can provide information that enables the doctor to select the best mode of treatment. The latter includes things like referral to a low vision specialist.
Occupation analysts may also assist the infected individuals by modifying the lighting systems in their homes and recommend appropriate equipment. They may also train these patients on how to use the adopted equipment. American foundation or Lighthouse International organizations for blind people are institutions that can also provide important resources to people adapting to loss of vision, you San Antonio physician will therefore refer you if necessary.
Sharing of information regularly between the physician and the patient on the condition is always advised as it enables the physician to know the right treatment method to be used. It is also essential for one to be well informed in making healthy decisions that enhance the management of glaucoma. This will help in prevention of new infections.
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