Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States. Though it can affect any age group elderly are more likely to get the disease. It is estimated that there are about 1.5 million glaucoma patients in this country but about ten times this number go undetected for one reason or another.
‘Once the blindness has occurred, there is no known treatment that will restore the lost vision. However, in nearly ll cases, blind ness from glaucoma is preventable This prevention requires early detection and proper treatment.
Q What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a term used for a large group of ocular disorders that are characterized by raised intraocular pressure and damage to the ‘optic nerve. This point is not commonly appreciated by the general public and may lead to confusion. For example, a patient may have difficulty understanding why she has no symptoms with her glaucoma when a friend experienced sudden pain and redness with the disease of the same name.
- How do I know if I have glaucoma?
Unfortunately, the majority of patients with glaucoma do not aye any symptoms (e.g. open angle glaucoma). Others however do have some, like eye pain in the evening, blurry vision and seeing rainbow rings around the lights (narrow angle glaucoma). As the disease process proceeds, you can start noticing blind spots in your central and peripheral vision. The above mentioned symptoms may or may not occur in all patients.
- How can I prevent glaucoma?
Early detection is very essential for proper management of glaucoma. You should see your Ophthalmologist under the following conditions: age over forty years, family history of glaucoma, history of eye injury, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, anemia or if you are on long term steroids for certain ailments, All ‘Ophthalmologists can detect and treat glaucoma, however, there are some Ophthalmologists specializing glaucoma alone.
- If has glaucoma, how can I retain my vision?
Your Ophthalmologist should be able to answer this question for your particular situation. But you should see him every three months, use the medicines as directed and have ll the tests done periodically. You play the greatest role in preserving your sight. Newer medicines and surgical procedures are coming out with the passage of time and enable us to serve you better.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 4, 1986
