Citing the Glaucoma week observed between 7th to 13th March, here is an attempt to shed more light on this blinding condition. Stay with us till the end of the blog as we give a complete round up of the glaucoma causes, glaucoma types, glaucoma treatment, best foods for eyesight and more.
What causes glaucoma?
The damage of the optic nerve. There are various types of glaucoma and all of them are linked to the damage of the optic nerve that connects and sends images to the brain. The aqueous humor, the eye fluid that is responsible to provide nutrition to the eyes and manages the eye pressure, flows through the mesh-like channel.
For unknown reasons this channel gets blocked or fails to pass the fluid as the eye starts producing more of it.
As a progressive condition, glaucoma leads to the increase of pressure inside the eye. This increased pressure damages the optic nerve. This continued damage causes vision loss and even leads to total blindness over a period of time.
Who is at the risk of glaucoma?
● Glaucoma is typically observed in people above 60 but in rare cases even children can get it.
● If
you have diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular
conditions, you are at risk of glaucoma.
● Injury
to the eyes, and complications induced by medications used for seizures, and
bladder control.
● In
addition, having thinner corneas and high eye pressure can also cause glaucoma.
What are the types of glaucoma?
Based on various factors, there are more than two types of Glaucoma. However, here are the primary types of it.
● Open-angle:
The mesh-like drain structure remains intact but the fluid would not flow as it
should be. Your doctor might refer to it as the wide-angle glaucoma. This is
the most common glaucoma.
● Angle-closure:
Commonly known as narrow or acute/chronic angle-closure, the drain space
becomes narrow obstructing the flow of the aqueous humor. This can lead to
increased build up in the eye which might further lead to glaucoma.
Even though these are the two types are the most observed across the world, there are a few more to it. Take a look.
● Secondary glaucoma: It refers to any type of glaucoma that has an identifiable cause that increases the eye pressure. In most cases, this identifiable cause could be diabetes or cataract.
● Normal-tension
glaucoma: Referred to as a form of open-angle glaucoma. In this type, the
person experiences blind spots in vision due to the damaged optic nerve.
● Pigmentary
glaucoma: This occurs when tiny bits of pigment from the Iris mixes with the
fluid inside the eye, clogging the drainage canals partially or completely.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Glaucoma is known as the sneaky thief of vision and there is a reason for it. Glaucoma does not show any symptoms in the early stages and it would be too late for the person by the time they get diagnosed with it.
The damage can happen quickly sometimes and people might observe blurred vision, seeing halos when they look at eyes, hazy eyes, nausea, and eye pain.
What is the diagnosis and treatment for glaucoma?
Checking the condition of optic nerve is an essential diagnostic measure to determine glaucoma. Photographs are taken and studied for any visible changes and also a test called tonometry is conducted to check the eye pressure. In addition, visual field tests to check the peripheral vision.
Treatment for glaucoma is a combination of eye drops, medications, surgery to repair or lower the pressure in the eye.
How to prevent glaucoma?
Lowering your chances of glaucoma is possible with the necessary arrangement. Here are a few preventive measures you can take.
· Eat
well by taking green leafy vegetables, salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, and beans.
· Exercise
regularly and take steps to avoid direct sunlight, looking at laptop or mobile
screen for longer times, and use eye protection while stepping out.
You can also take help from the home healthcare service providers who offer doctor visits at home service by opting in for ophthalmologist services.
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