Glaucoma Eye Symptom, Treatment and Cure, Cause, Surgery, Research, Medication Drop, History, Diagnosis, Test, Drugs Infromation

Glaucoma Information

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can affect one or both eyes, either at the same time or many years apart. Normally, the eye is filled with a clear, watery fluid, which is constantly being manufactured within the eye and which escapes through small channels. If these channels become blocked, they cause the pressure to rise. The rise in pressure over time squashes the optic nerve at the back of the eye, causing blindness.

In acute glaucoma, there is a sudden rise in pressure, pain and rapid loss of sight. If a sufferer is seen quickly by an eye specialist, then surgery may save some or all of the eyesight. Chronic or open-angle glaucoma is the more common form of glaucoma and is slowly progressive. The pressure in the eye rises so slowly that the small day-to-day changes pass unnoticed and it is only when severe, irreversible changes have occurred that the problem is identified. By this time treatment is too late.

Symptoms and sign of Glaucoma

Gradual loss of vision at the outside of the field is the first sign of glaucoma. It is not usually noticed unless specifically looked for by an optician. Gradually the field of vision becomes narrower and narrower until only a blurred central area, known as tunnel vision, remains.

• Blurring of vision, especially at the edges.
• Failing sight in dim light.
• Bumping into things when in unknown places.
• Eye pain or headaches, especially if on one side.
• Haloes around bright lights

Types of Glaucoma

• acute angle closure glaucoma,
• narrow angle glaucoma,
• open angle glaucoma
  

Glaucoma Cause

Glaucoma very serious condition tends to run in families and is also a result of ageing, usually affecting people over 40. The main worrry about glaucoma is that it maylead to irreversible blindness.

Prevention of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition where special Care should be taken to identify the Problem early. Regular eye testing will pickup this condition before it does any damage. If there is a family history of glaucoma, then it is essential that every one over the age of 40 should be tested every two years. Currently, testing is free for those with close relatives who have or have had glaucoma.

Treatment of Glaucoma

If the optician or your doctor suspects glaucoma you will be referred to hospital. If, after thorough examination, the condition is confirmed, then eye drops to reduce pressure by aiding drainage of fluid from the eye are usually the first line of treatment. The drops sometimes sting to start with but they quickly become easy to tolerate. Sometimes tablets are needed to reduce the eye pressure. Occasionally surgery to widen the drainage tube from the eye will be necessary. Often this is done by laser therapy and literally takes minutes.

If there is considerable eyesight loss you may be eligible to claim benefits for partial sightedness. The consultant at the hospital can help with this.