What You Should Know About Glaucoma And Your Eyes?

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that, if left untreated, can cause eventual blindness. The optic nerve becomes damaged over time and the disease is associated with increased pressure of the eye fluid. Here are some indicators of the symptoms of Glaucoma as well as causes and possible treatments.

What are the symptoms of Glaucoma? - There are two types of glaucoma in adults: closed-angle and open-angle. Closed-angle glaucoma is diagnosed in a small percentage of the cases, thus it is considered rarer. Symptoms of type of glaucoma include red and/or swollen eyes, along with decreased or cloudy vision. Onset is usually accompanied by sudden pain in one eye.

Open-angle glaucoma is more commonly diagnosed and that they majority of people will have. Their only symptoms are gradual loss of vision, starting with side vision, causing tunnel vision. It does not cause pain which makes it all the more dangerous. It is sometimes known as the "silent thief of sight."

What causes Glaucoma? - The main cause of Glaucoma seems to be ocular hypertension or increased pressure within the eye. The extra pressure causes damage to the optical nerve and gradual blindness. Other factors which indicate an increased risk of glaucoma are prolonged use of steroids, severe diabetic retinopathy and ocular trauma. Those of African descent and older people have an increased risk of the condition as well.

How can I tell if I have it? - The only way to diagnose glaucoma is to have a regular test as part of your regular eye exam. The pressure of the inner eye is evaluated using a test called tonometry. This test is not 100 percent effective as glaucoma can appear in eyes where high pressure isn't present, but it is still the best indicator available. Those at risk for Glaucoma should get the dilated exam for Glaucoma at least once a year.

Once Glaucoma has been diagnosed, there are a number of tests available for the degree of severity. A visual field test is a necessity, as tunnel vision is one of the symptoms. Retinal nerve damage can be assessed by optical coherence tomography, scanning laser opthalmoscopy, or scanning laser polarimetry. These tests can take a snapshot, as it were, of the optic nerve system and assess the damage contained there.

Treatment and Management - There are no treatments to either treat or cure Glaucoma, but when the disease is caught early, there are ways to manage the symptoms and either slow or prevent vision loss. Early detection is essential, as a majority of people with open angle glaucoma display no symptoms at all. Once detected, there are several processes that can ease the glaucoma and slow the damage of the optic nerve.

Reduction of the interocular pressure can be achieved by use of several medical treatments. Eye drops that decrease the production of aqueous humour or increase its outflow are available.

Laser and conventional surgeries are also available that will give temporary relief for the symptoms of glaucoma. A catheter can also be placed within the eye to help drain the fluid, or laser surgery can be used to open the mesh and allow outflow of the fluid of the eye. Neither of these are cures for glaucoma, but they can help relieve the symptoms.