vision loss.
Glaucoma can be open-angle or closed-angle (see below). The most common type is open-angle glaucoma with closed-angle glaucoma being less common. Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly over time and there is no pain. Side vision (things you can see without looking at them directly) may begin to decrease followed by central vision resulting in blindness if not treated. For closed-angle glaucoma, you may notice severe eye pain, blurred vision, redness of the eye, and nausea (when you feel like vomiting). Vision loss from glaucoma, once it has occurred, is permanent because the optic nerve (like all nerve fibers) does not grow back after damage.
Glaucoma tends to be inherited and may not show up until later in life.
Recommended Related to Eye HealthUnderstanding Vision Problems -- the BasicsThe eyes are your body's most highly developed sensory organs. In fact, a far larger part of the brain is dedicated to vision than to hearing, taste, touch, or smell combined! We tend to take eyesight for granted; yet when vision problems develop, most of us will do everything in our power to restore our eyesight back to normal. The most common forms of vision impairment are errors of refraction -- the way light rays are focused inside the eye so images can be transmitted to the brain. Nearsightedness,...
Read the Understanding Vision Problems -- the Basics article >Most people with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain from this increased pressure. Therefore, it is important to see your eye doctor regularly so that glaucoma can be diagnosed and treated before long-term visual loss occurs.
Several large studies have shown that eye pressure is a major risk factor for optic nerve damage. In the front of the eye is a space called the anterior chamber, a clear fluid flows continuously in and out of this chamber and nourishes nearby tissues. The fluid leaves the chamber through an open angle inside the eye, where the cornea and iris meet. When the fluid reaches the angle, it flows through something like a drain, and leaves the eye.
In open-angle glaucoma, even though the drainage angle is “open”, the fluid passes too slowly through the drain. Since the fluid builds up, the pressure inside the eye rises to a level that may damage the optic nerve. When the optic nerve is damaged from increased pressure, open-angle glaucoma-and vision loss—may result. That’s why controlling pressure inside the eye is important.
Another risk factor for optic nerve damage relates to blood pressure. Thus, it is important to also make sure that your blood pressure is at a proper level for your body by working with your medical doctor.
No clear evidence indicates vitamin deficiencies cause glaucoma in humans. It follows, then, that oral vitamin supplementation is not a recommended treatment for glaucoma. Caffeine increases intraocular in those with glaucoma, but does not appear to affect normal individuals
Currently, regular eye exams are the best form of prevention against significant glaucoma damage.
Early detection and careful, lifelong treatment can maintain vision in most people. In general, a check for glaucoma should be done:
- before age 40, every two to four years
- from age 40 to age 54, every one to three years
- from age 55 to 64, every one to two years
- after age 65, every six to 12 months
Anyone with high risk factors should be tested every year or two after age 35. Those at higher risk include people of African descent, people with diabetes, and people with a family history of glaucoma. You are at increased risk if you have a parent or brother or sister with glaucoma
A regular program of moderate exercise will benefit your overall health, and studies have shown that moderate exercise such as walking or jogging three or more times every week can have an IOP lowering effect. The benefits from exercise last only as long as you continue exercising; this is why moderate exercise on a routine basis is recommended. Yoga can be beneficial, but it’s best to avoid inverted positions such as headstands and shoulderstands, as these may increase IOP.
Wearing protective eyewear is important when engaged in sports activities or home improvement projects. Eye injuries can result in traumatic glaucoma or secondary glaucoma, so protecting your eyes from injury is another way to prevent glaucoma.
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