Saturday, August 29, 2015

Details Related To Glaucoma San Antonio

By Daphne Bowen


It is important that people take care of the eyes. There are many problems that can arise in this part of the body, especially as a person ages. Glaucoma is the name for a condition that results in damage to the optic nerve of the eye. It gets worse over time and is often caused with a buildup of pressure within the eye. Often this condition is inherited and might not arise in people until they get older. Glaucoma San Antonio refers to the many professionals and services available to people with this condition who live in or around San Antonio TX.

The pressure increase is known as intraocular pressure. It can damage the optic nerve over time. This is the nerve responsible for transmitting images to the brain. If it is damaged from high pressure, an individual will permanently lose vision as a result of his or her glaucoma. Without any treatment, this can lead to complete blindness within a short amount of time.

Sufferers might not experience symptoms initially. Even the pain that is typically caused from the pressure buildup might not be present. Because of this, regularly checking the eyes is important. This is especially for high risk people, which includes those over 40 years old, diabetics or people who have a family history of this condition. Tests should be done annually for high-risk individuals.

This issue will develop when there is an increase in eye pressure. The pressure builds when there is not enough eye fluid circulating through the eyes. The fluid, also known as aqueous humor, needs to flow throughout the eyes via various channels. Channels might build up, which leads to this problem of glaucoma.

The reason for the blockage is not known, although doctors do know it can be related to genetics. Other causes that may lead to this condition: eye injury, inflammatory conditions, blockage of blood vessels, infection or eye surgery. Typically the problem will be present in both of the eyes, but differ in its severity.

The two types of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure. Also known as wide-angle, open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of this. It occurs when the structures of the eye seem to be normal, but the fluid inside of it is not flowing as it should. With the angle-closure type, also known as acute or chronic, there is poor drainage caused by the angle between the cornea and iris. It is too narrow and blocks the iris, which leads to pressure buildup.

Typically this condition is present in adults over 40. However, it can also develop in infants, children and adults. People are more at risk based on their descent, old age, family history, poor vision, diabetes, use of steroid meds or trauma to eyes. Usually there are no symptoms, but some signs may be present, including: eye pain, vomiting or nausea, hazy-looking eyes, eye redness, tunnel vision, seeing halos around lights and loss of vision.

Treatment may involve microsurgery, laser surgery or eyedrops. Every case is different and will require its own approach. People should do research to learn more about this condition.




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