Glaucoma
This page on HealthMBA.com is about the dangers of glaucoma and the importance of having regular eye exams to watch for early symptoms of the disease. The group of eye diseases known as glaucoma can develop gradually with no symptoms to damage the fragile structure inside the eyes. Early detection and treatment can hold back the damage and save your eyesight.
The sense of sight is a vital link for us to interact with our environment, and the development of glaucoma in the optic nerves can lead to irreparable damage and ultimately total loss of vision. Glaucoma is actually a description for a group of optic diseases that lead to the degradation of the optic nerves and ultimately to the loss of vision, and the most common form of the disease is known as "open-angle" glaucoma. The optic nerves in the eyes carry impulses of visual information to the brain and they are the only link to carry the signals. A condition can develop where pressure builds up in the eye, which can damage the optic nerves, and the result is the disease of glaucoma, which slowly, and often imperceptibly, damages the optic nerves.
Inside the eye is an open area that is filled with a fluid called "aqueous humor", and if the eyes become over-filled with this fluid the pressure will push against and strain the very delicate structure or nerves, and tissues. When the physiology of the eye cannot properly drain away the excess fluid or if excess fluid builds up in certain areas there can be permanent damage. Left untreated the nerves will degrade to the point that the are no longer functional, and all vision will be lost. This damage cause cannot be reversed, so there is no cure. The only treatment is to detect the condition early in the degradation and to administer drugs as therapy to slow down the damage.
In many cases the patient will not feel or notice any symptoms; even for someone who is conscientious of their health they may only notice subtle changes in their vision, such as reduced peripheral vision. Certain individuals may be at a greater risk for developing damage to the optic nerves, including African American and Hispanics over 40 years of age, individuals over 60 years of age among all ethnic groups, those with a family history of glaucoma or diabetes, and those who have suffered an eye injury or have had surgery to their eyes. With this in mind it is vital for your health and wellness to include eye exams with an eye doctor in your regular checkups to screen for developing glaucoma. The doctor knows what signs to watch for and can suggest methods for better prevention and treatment. You can also discuss your risk factors and become informed on what you can expect, as well as how to detect symptoms early on.
Generally it is a good plan to have an eye exam once every two years, even if you normally have good vision. For those who already have an annual exam to keep their prescription for eyeglasses current, it is a brief procedure that is a standard part of your consultation. Glaucoma is a disease that can be detected early and effectively controlled so that it will not cause significant loss of vision. However, if detected too late or not effectively treated the damage will continue until blindness develops. Getting a regular exam may never turn up anything, but the assurance of watching out for symptoms in the early stages will help keep you well and healthy with a bright outlook on life.
