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 infection is categorized into different forms; primary form for those whose source cannot be determined and secondary for those with a traceable origin. The one that mostly occurs is the primary open-angle form whose symptoms are mostly go unnoticed except a steady vision impairment. It is also accompanied by loss of peripheral vision that affects both eyes in severe 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 and prevention of the condition begins with a comprehensive and regular eye checkup for all adults beginning from the age of 40. This should be done after every three to five years for those without glaucoma risk factors. On the other hand, screening needs to be done after every two years for those with the disease signs or those above 60 years old.
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 therapists may also help the infected persons by advancing lighting systems in their residential areas or recommending suitable equipment for use. They can also train the patients on the use of the adopted equipments. Lighthouse International or American foundation for the blind are institutions that provide sufficient resources to patients adapting loss of vision. San Antonio TX physicians will normally refer you to them when 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 infection is categorized into different forms; primary form for those whose source cannot be determined and secondary for those with a traceable origin. The one that mostly occurs is the primary open-angle form whose symptoms are mostly go unnoticed except a steady vision impairment. It is also accompanied by loss of peripheral vision that affects both eyes in severe 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 and prevention of the condition begins with a comprehensive and regular eye checkup for all adults beginning from the age of 40. This should be done after every three to five years for those without glaucoma risk factors. On the other hand, screening needs to be done after every two years for those with the disease signs or those above 60 years old.
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 therapists may also help the infected persons by advancing lighting systems in their residential areas or recommending suitable equipment for use. They can also train the patients on the use of the adopted equipments. Lighthouse International or American foundation for the blind are institutions that provide sufficient resources to patients adapting loss of vision. San Antonio TX physicians will normally refer you to them when 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.