Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve and is often linked to the buildup of pressure within the eye (called intraocular pressure). A damaged optic nerve leads to decreased vision. Vision loss progresses as the damage to the optic nerve progresses.
Glaucoma can develop at any age and is not just one condition. It is actually a group of conditions and is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults over age 60. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss within a few short years. Once the vision is lost, it cannot be recovered.
Pressure builds in the eye due to fluid being over-produced and not properly drained through the tissue called the trabecular meshwork. Glaucoma tends to fun in families (hereditary). Other risk factors include:
Having diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or sickle cell anemia
Having extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness
Being over age 60
Being Hispanic, Asian, or black descent
Long-term corticosteroid use, especially eye drops
Treatment is the only way to prevent vision loss or slow its progression. Prevention consists of regular dilated eye examinations to catch glaucoma early, especially if you are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Ask your relatives about your family's health history. If you are being treated for glaucoma already, be sure to take all prescribed medications and eye drops as directed. Your vision depends on it.
Call 949-786-7888 today if you are at risk of developing glaucoma.
