Understanding Glaucoma - Are You at Risk?
Like any other part of our bodies, our eyes are finely tuned machines that are designed to function without us having to think about it. Processing images at a fraction of a second, our eyesight is a valuable asset that, unfortunately, many of us take for granted. However, our eyes aren’t built to work perfectly for our entire lives, and as we age, many of us become at risk for a condition called glaucoma. Let’s take a quick look at what this disease entails and how to know if you’re at risk.
Two Types, One Result
Glaucoma can present itself in two distinct ways, however, patients with this disease will experience the same type of result in either case - diminished eyesight if left untreated. Most individuals with glaucoma have primary open-angle glaucoma, which occurs when the eye has trouble draining in its normal manner. Fluid begins to build up and over time, the internal pressure of the eye increases. People often do not experience any symptoms or discomfort, yet if they do not see an ophthalmologist for treatment, they could eventually go blind.
A less common instance of glaucoma is called closed-angle or narrow-angle glaucoma and it occurs far more quickly than open-angle glaucoma. Depending on one’s anatomy, the iris may be close to the drainage area of the eye and can actually slide out of place, resulting in a blockage that again leads to a build-up of pressure.
Your ophthalmologist can determine if you have glaucoma through a series of comprehensive tests and can discuss treatment or surgical options with you depending on its level of progression. Unfortunately, damage to your optic nerve is permanent, but the goal with glaucoma patients is to regulate eye pressure to avoid any further vision loss.
Am I At Risk?
Since the damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, it’s important to know if you’re at risk for developing this disease. In general, it affects individuals who:
Have a family history of glaucoma
Are over the age of 40
Have a thin cornea
Already have high eye pressure
Are very nearsighted
Have high blood pressure
Are of Japanese, East Asian, or African American descent
Smoke or have diabetes
Some risk factors cannot be avoided, but like many other conditions that affect various parts of the body, glaucoma can be kept at bay by following a healthy lifestyle. Make an effort to exercise daily, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block, and eat a balanced diet that helps you to control your weight.
Avoid smoking and try to limit your caffeine intake as well, as some studies have linked that excess caffeine consumption can raise eye pressure. Always wear sunglasses when outdoors for overall eye health, and above all else, visit Associated Eyecare regularly for annual comprehensive examinations. Only an ophthalmologist can diagnose glaucoma, and the sooner the disease is detected, the more success you’ll have with treatment options. If you have questions about glaucoma or want to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
