Glaucoma
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November 18, 2019
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Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damages the optic nerve, vital for good vision. A build-up of high fluid pressure in the eye causes Glaucoma. It can occur at any age but is one of the leading causes of blindness in older adults. The effect of glaucoma is generally so gradual that a change in vision is noticed only at an advanced stage. Vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be recovered, and only an early diagnosis helps in preventing or slowing down its progress.
Following are some risk factors for glaucoma:
- Having high internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
- Having a family history of glaucoma
- Having medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or sickle cell anemia
- Taking corticosteroid medications, especially eye drops for a long time
The symptoms vary depending on the type or stage of glaucoma:
- Patchy blind spots in peripheral or central vision or having tunnel vision, in case of open-angle glaucoma
- Severe headache, eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, eye redness or nausea and vomiting, in case of acute angle-closure glaucoma
Some self-care steps to help slow the progress of glaucoma:
- Exercising safely
- Sipping moderate amounts of fluids frequently
- Sleeping with the head elevated by about 20 degrees
- Taking prescribed medicines regularly
Once diagnosed with glaucoma, treatment continues for the rest of life and may include prescription of eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, surgery, or a combination of any of these. If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. The damage caused cannot be reversed, and so it is essential to catch the disease in its early stages.
Loss of peripheral- or side-vision is often the first sign of glaucoma. Keep an eye on your peripheral vision and visit Ophthalmologist if there is any abnormal peripheral vision.
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Disclaimer: Don’t follow any suggestions in this article without consulting a qualified doctor
Source:
- ‘GLAUCOMA’: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839