National Glaucoma Awareness

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month.

 

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually deteriorate sight. This disease is relatively common in older adults but can affect people of all ages. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision and blindness in the United States.

Glaucoma is the build-up of pressure in the anterior chamber, where clear liquid flows around the eye. If a patient has glaucoma the fluid will drain slower. If this is left untreated it can cause damage to the optic nerve which can then lead to loss of vision. The optic nerve acts as a transmitter to the brain. Its responsible for carrying images from the eyes to the brain.

There Are Two Main Types of Glaucoma: Open-Angle and Closed-Angle.

Primary Open-angle Glaucoma (known as chronic glaucoma) progresses slowly. The patient may not feel discomfort or even see a loss of vision. This is the type where the damage has already occurred.

Close-angled glaucoma is the sudden loss where the patient feels discomfort and a rapid loss of sight. This causes them to seek out medical help and results in treatment that prevents permanent damage from occurring.

Other Types of Glaucoma

Low Tension Glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma that is not fully understood. The pressure in the eye stays at its normal stage, but there is damage that occurs to the optic nerve. It is believed that this may be a cause of low or reduced blood supply to the optic nerve.

Pigmentary Glaucoma is a type of Open End Glaucoma that can develop in early adult years. It is formed by pigmented cells that are dispersed within the eye. When there is a buildup of these cells in the channels around the eye, it can disturb the flow of fluid in the eye; leading to a rise in pressure.

The best way to prevent glaucoma and protect your eyes is to get a comprehensive eye examination. If you are a diabetic or have a family history, you should have your eyes tested. Those that are at a high risk of developing glaucoma, should get a regular vision check-up. Soma Technology urges everyone to get their eyes checked and care for their eyes to help prevent unnecessary vision loss.

 

For more information about glaucoma go to www.glaucoma.org