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
