Regular Glaucoma Test Essential To Prevent Vision Loss

A group of conditions that can damage the optic nerve of the eye is known as glaucoma. The health of the optic nerve is crucial for excellent vision. Damages to the optic nerve are often caused by abnormally high eye pressure.

Glaucoma is a condition that affects millions of people throughout the world and is the leading cause of blindness among people over the age of 60. Glaucoma can occur at any age, but older adults are more susceptible to this condition. Different forms of glaucoma do not offer any warning signs, and the patient will witness no changes unless the condition progresses to an advanced stage.

Recovery from vision loss due to glaucoma is not possible, and therefore it is crucial for the elderly to undergo a glaucoma test from Founders Eyecare. The analysis includes taking measurements of the eye pressure to diagnose this condition early when it can be treated successfully. When glaucoma is identified in the early stages, loss of vision can be slowed or prevented. Unfortunately, people with this condition will need treatment for the rest of their lives.

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

The signs and symptoms of glaucoma can vary depending on the type of the problem and the stage of the condition affecting the patient.

Patients with open-angle glaucoma will experience patchy blindspots or central vision either on one side or frequently in both eyes. They may also have tunnel vision in advanced conditions.

Patients affected by acute angle-closure glaucoma will experience severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting, eye pain, blurred vision, redness in the eye, and halos around lights.

Glaucoma can cause blindness if it is left untreated. 15% of people with glaucoma experience blindness in at least one eye within 20 years despite receiving treatment.

When to Approach a Doctor for a Diagnosis?

Patients must visit glaucoma in Castle Rock, CO, as soon as they experience any symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma as it has been described above.

What Are the Causes for Glaucoma?

Damage to the optic nerve is the primary cause, which leads to glaucoma. The deterioration of the nerve results in blind spots developing in the visual field. The nerve damage is usually related to increased eye pressure because the medical fraternity has been unable to understand.

The increased eye pressure is because of a buildup of a fluid flowing within the eye. The internal fluid usually drains out through the trabecular meshwork at the angle where the iris and cornea meet. The overproduction of the fluid causes the drainage system to malfunction resulting in eye pressure building up.

Glaucoma is a genetic condition and runs in families. Scientists have identified genes related to high eye pressure and optic nerve damage in some people.

What Are the Risk Factors of Glaucoma?

Chronic varieties of glaucoma destroy vision before any signs or symptoms are apparent, and therefore patients must be aware of the following risk factors:

• Having high intraocular pressure.
• Being over the age of 60.
• Having a family history of glaucoma.
• Being significantly nearsighted or farsighted.
• Suffering from eye injuries or undergoing certain types of eye surgery.
• Ingesting corticosteroid medications or eyedrops for an extended period.

Patients affected by certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and sickle cell anemia are also susceptible to glaucoma. Asians, Hispanics, and Blacks are also vulnerable to this condition.

Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?

Founders Eyecare recommends the following self-care tips to detect glaucoma in its early stages. The self-care tips can help to prevent vision loss or inhibit its progress.

Patients are advised to get dilated eye examinations frequently for detecting glaucoma in its earliest stages before it can cause significant damage. Recommendations have been made by the American Academy of ophthalmology for everyone to have a comprehensive eye exam every 5 to 10 years for people below the age of 40, 2 to 4 years for people in the age group of 45 to 54, 1 to 3 years for people between 55 to 64 and 1 to 2 years for people over 65 years. Frequent screening is recommended for people who are susceptible to glaucoma.

Patients must attempt to understand their family history to determine whether they are at risk of this condition. They must also exercise regularly because moderate exercise may help in preventing glaucoma. Wearing eye protection and using any eyedrops routinely prescribed is also a recommendation made by Founders Eyecare.