What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is categorized as a group of eye conditions. These conditions impact your eye health by damaging the optical nerve which can cause image distortion. Loss of visual coherence among the peripheral will first be noticed and eventually the entirety of one’s vision.
Diagnosis
Getting your pupils dilated is the only way to distinctly diagnose glaucoma. Early diagnosis is the difference can make a huge difference on the outcome of your sight.
Unfortunately, there are no noticeable symptoms to this condition. Most people with glaucoma don’t know that they have it until the condition has already progressed to the point where they are losing their peripheral vision.
What Types of Glaucoma Are Out There?
PRIMARY OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA
- •This type of glaucoma is the most common and has a gradual progression. The eye first fails to drain fluid in the eye properly causing the eye to fill with fluid. Pressure then builds in the eye due to the excess fluid and causes damage to the optic nerve.
ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA
•This type of glaucoma is caused by the iris being too close to where the excess fluid is drained in the eye. Pressure is then created in the eye, similar to the type of glaucoma listed above.
Who is at Risk?
- •People over the age of 60
- •African Americans and Hispanics over the age of 40
- •Someone who has a family history of glaucoma
When Should You See an Optometrist? 
- •If you are experiencing intense eye pain
- •Experiencing blurry vision
- •Experiencing an upset stomach or nausea with no cause
What Can Cause Glaucoma?
At this current time there is no definite cause attributed to the condition. It is how ever believed to be from pressure on the eye socket. There are no preventative measures for the condition. That being said, it’s imperative to get a yearly eye exam especially if you believe you may be at risk
If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, you should see an optometrist.
To be certain you have this condition, you will need an optometrist to evaluate and confirm that you have glaucoma. After diagnosis the steps you can take have a few levels of effectiveness. Th first step of treating glaucoma is with medication, the most common treatment. The medications are typically in the form of eye drops that help reduce the pressure in the eye. The next treatment option is laser eye treatment. This treatment is used to drain the fluids built up in your eyes causing the pressure. The last option for treatment, and the most invasive, is surgery. The procedure does two things it protects your eye and stops the progression, unfortunately not even this can repair damage that was already done.
While being treated for glaucoma, it’s important to follow these steps:
•Alert your physician if you are experiencing any side effects
•Set up a routine of care with your physician
•If your vision loss is affecting your day to day life think about low vision services as an option
•Encourage immediate family members to be checked routinely by their optometrist since glaucoma is often hereditary
Glaucoma is a unique condition where there isn’t much that can prevent but it is very treatable. Early detection is key to being able to use the easiest treatment option.
Additional Information
Remember that home health services are an option for the road to recovery. Abcor Home Health is a Licensed Home Health and Community Support agency. Our services include short- and long-term home health care. Care is provided by licensed professionals in nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social work therapy. All treatment that is provided is under our staff and established by the client’s physicians. For more information visit Home Health Services page under the Services tab or call (847)670-8268.