The Invisible Glaucoma

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LifeCare Diagnostic January 10, 2020

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide; it can occur at any age but is more common in older adults; 60 years old and above. Glaucoma is an eye conditions that damage the optic nerve often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. Often, glaucoma is asymptomatic and present at a late stage. Blindness from glaucoma is preventable if treatment is instituted early.

Potential risk factors of developing glaucoma include:

Are over 40

Have a family history of glaucoma

Have poor vision; near sighted or farsighted

Have diabetes

High eye pressure

Eye injury

Have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or sickle cell anemia

Types of Glaucoma. Glaucoma can be divided into 2 types. These are:

Closed angle glaucoma

Open angle glaucoma

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type of glaucoma.
Closed-angle glaucoma
Eye pain
Blurring of vision
Eye redness
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Increased intraocular pressure (IOP)

Can Chronic Glaucoma Be Cure?

With early diagnosis, regular follow up and compliance to treatment, the damage to the eye can usually be kept to a minimum.

Various eyedrops

Lasers

Surgical treatments

GLAUCOMA MYTHS AND FACTS

Glaucoma only affects the elderly. Glaucoma is most common in people over 60 years of age, but at any age it can affect anyone. Glaucoma has severe symptoms. There are no early symptoms of discomfort in most people with glaucoma. Early detection is the key to protecting your vision. Glaucoma is a curable condition. Blindness from glaucoma is preventable if treatment is instituted early. Glaucoma is only genetic or hereditary. Glaucoma is not just a genetic or hereditary disease. It can be caused due to various other reasons such as elevated eye pressure, eye injuries, diabetes & etc. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions like glaucoma can mean the difference between normal and lost vision. Sources:

http://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/Penerbitan/CPG/Eye%20Condition/CPG%20Management%20of%20Glaucoma%20(Second%20Edition).pdf https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/glaucoma-eyes#1

KKLIU 1600/2021