What To Know About Glaucoma San Antonio

By Daphne Bowen


People need to take care of the eyes, as humans are only given one natural set. A lot of issues may develop in this part of the body, particularly as people age. Glaucoma refers to a condition that is brought about by optic nerve damage. It will get worse as time goes on and is the result of extra pressure in the eye. Usually this condition is inherited, but it can arise in nearly anyone. People who are older are more vulnerable. Glaucoma San Antonio refers to the services and professionals that can provide glaucoma help to people in San Antonio TX.

The pressure increase is known as intraocular pressure. It can damage the optic nerve over time. This is the nerve responsible for transmitting images to the brain. If it is damaged from high pressure, an individual will permanently lose vision as a result of his or her glaucoma. Without any treatment, this can lead to complete blindness within a short amount of time.

Sufferers may not notice symptoms early on. Even pain from the pressure may not be present. For this reason, regular eye check ups is encouraged for all people, especially those at higher risk. People above the age of 40 years old are more susceptible, as are those with diabetes or family history. Those with higher risk may want to have tests done annually.

Glaucoma typically occurs if pressure in the eye increases. This might happen if eye fluid does not circulate normally in the eyes. This fluid, also called aqueous humor, is supposed to flow out of the eye through channels. If these become blocked, the fluid will build up.

The direct cause for this blockage is not known, but doctors do know that this can be passed down from parents to children. Other potential causes: chemical or blunt eye injury, eye infection, blockage of blood vessels, inflammatory eye conditions, or eye surgery. Typically this condition arises in both eyes, but it might be present in different degrees.

Angle-closure and open-angle are the two types of glaucoma. The latter, also known as wide-angle, is the most prevalent form. This develops when the eye appears to be normal, but fluid within it does not flow like it should. With angle-closure glaucoma, the problem is that there is poor drainage. This is usually the result of a narrowed passageway between the iris and cornea that causes a buildup of pressure.

Typically this condition is present in adults over 40. However, it can also develop in infants, children and adults. People are more at risk based on their descent, old age, family history, poor vision, diabetes, use of steroid meds or trauma to eyes. Usually there are no symptoms, but some signs may be present, including: eye pain, vomiting or nausea, hazy-looking eyes, eye redness, tunnel vision, seeing halos around lights and loss of vision.

Treatment may involve microsurgery, laser surgery or eyedrops. Every case is different and will require its own approach. People should do research to learn more about this condition.




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