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Glaucoma-the silent thief of eye sight

One of the leading causes of blindness in the world is Glaucoma. Nowadays Glaucoma is not uncommon in adults of the age of 40 and above. It is imperative on our part to have a basic knowledge regarding how this silent thief steals away our vision and how it can be scientifically prevented, controlled and treated. It is a condition that causes loss of vision resulting initially in partial loss of sight and if left untreated cluminates in total blindness. Early diagnosis and regular proper eye care and treatment can prevent further loss of vision.

Glaucoma - Understanding the Basics

One of the most common causes of blindness for people over forty years is glaucoma and it affects around one in fifty people in this age group. People are often unaware that they even have this condition as they may not suffer from any obvious symptoms. Nonetheless, it is important that it is detected early to avoid severe deterioration of sight. Like muscular degeneration, glaucoma is usually age related. Often, people with glaucoma don't even realize that they have a problem as there are no obvious symptoms. The eyesight deteriorates so gradually that it is often unnoticed. The only real way of knowing that glaucoma is present is by a physical examination of the eye by a doctor or optometrist who may be able to see the problem by examining the eye with an ophthalmoscope.

The eye is separated into anterior and posterior chambers by the lens and by a muscle, called the ciliary muscle, which supports it. There is also a structure called the ciliary body which manufactures a fluid called aqueous humor that fills the anterior chamber. This needs to be continuously drained and, when glaucoma is present, this does not happen. This causes pressure in the eyeball to rise, thus causing problems with sight. Nicknamed "Sneak Thief of Sight", this eye disease is a result of excessive pressure build-up in the eye that slowly destroys the retina cells and optic nerve fibers. If it's not treated, sad to say, it can lead to complete and non-reversible blindness.

There are three major types of glaucoma and they are as follows:

The angle is where the iris meets the cornea. It is also where the fluid drains from the eye.

1. Angle closure glaucoma

In angle closure glaucoma, the angle gets blocked. Fluid continues to be made but is unable to drain. Because of this, the pressure in the eye builds up to a level which is harmful.

2. Open angle glaucoma

With open angle glaucoma, the angle stays open but fluid builds up when the structure at the back of the angle becomes blocked.

3. Narrow angle glaucoma

Narrow angle glaucoma is a condition where the iris and the lens touch, trapping fluid. The iris bulges forward, effectively closing off the

drainage angle and causing acute glaucoma. While blindness due to this cannot be reversed, it can still be prevented if treated early.

Risk Factors

Anybody can be at risk, although certain factors may increase the chances of contracting this eye problem. A family history of this disease, diabetic people, those with migraine, myopia, eye injuries, hypertension, as well as those who used to or still consume steroids all lead to higher susceptibility.

Other types of glaucoma include:

1. Congenital glaucoma

Congenital glaucoma is rare and affects infants. These children are normally diagnosed by the age of one and are usually born with a defect in the drainage system of the eye.

2. Pigmentary glaucoma

Pigmentary glaucoma is also rare and happens when the pigment from the iris blocks the drainage system. The system is eventually damaged because of the inflammation caused by this condition.

3. Secondary glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma is normally caused by injury, infection, tumor, inflammation or and enlarged cataract. Any of these conditions can lead to secondary glaucoma.

An optometrist may notice if there are any areas of blindness in the part of the eye that is not used for detailed vision. This is the area affected with glaucoma initially. The area of the eye used for detailed vision is not affected at first and this is why people don't notice the onset of glaucoma for some time.

Treatment usually consists of drops that are placed in the eye three or four times daily to improve the rate of fluid drainage. Sometimes, surgery may be required to create a new outlet for the fluid. Treatment does not always work and, in some cases, the person may become progressively blind no matter what treatment is used. Once sight has been lost, it cannot be restored, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Glaucoma is caused due to the increase in intraocular pressure leading to gradual progressive, irreversible loss of peripheral vision initially and resulting in total blindness in advanced stage due to damage caused to the optic nerve. The anterior chamber of the eye contains a fluid produced in the ciliary body. This fluid then passes through the pupil into the anterior chamber and leaves the eye via the angle of the anterior chamber into the blood stream outside the eye. This production, flow and drainage is a continuous process that is necessary for the health of the eye. The internal pressure of the eye is called the intraocular pressure. It depends on the quantity of this fluid in the eye. This flow can be compared to a sink with the water tap turned `on `all the time. If the drain pipe gets clogged , water collects in the sink. When the drainage system of the eye gets similarly blocked, the fluid pressure within the eye is increased and causes damage to the Optic nerve.

Blurry vision and eye pain can be a symptom of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease wherein the peripheral vision deteriorates while the central vision remains in top condition.

Glaucoma is the build up of fluid on the eye that will pressure the retina. The feeling is irreversible if left untreated, and can cause total loss of sight. It is very dangerous and this is the one eye disorder that cannot be treated by wearing prescription eyeglasses. However, this condition rarely has symptoms, therefore the importance of routine eye exams cannot be overstated.

Retina

The retina of the human eye provides peripheral vision {which gives us the ability to see at a very wide angle (though objects on the sides are not clear)} and central vision (Macula) which gives us the ability to read, see objects clearly, identify colours etc. The retina is made up of a million nerves which join to form the optic nerve very much like a cable with a million wires. The optic nerve carries the images we see to the brain where it is analyzed and presented to us as vision.

How the sight is lost

While the intraocular pressure is elevated there is damage in these nerves. The nerves providing central vision can withstand increase in the intraocular pressure for a longer period than the nerves providing peripheral vision. In Glaucoma this results in a loss of only the peripheral vision initially - a change which always goes unnoticed by the patient until about 50-60% of the peripheral vision is gradually lost. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results. Fortunately, this rarely occurs if Glaucoma is diagnosed and treated before major damage has taken place.

Glaucoma causes almost 12% of all blindness in the US. Increased fluid builds up within the eyeball, causing pressure. This pressure, over time causes irreversible damage and blindness.

Currently there is no method to prevent Glaucoma.

There are several notable causes of glaucoma. Studies have shown that the items listed below are some of the most probable causes of the eye disease. So it will be better to do routine checkups to treat it at the earlier stage those having the following status. A proper diet will definitely help in avoiding glaucoma. Vitamins A, E, C and zinc can greatly reduce the chance of getting glaucoma.

Medical disorder

There are several common medical disorders that can lead to the development of glaucoma and these disorders can also be catalysts for the aggravation of the disease. Chronic eye diseases other than glaucoma can well be reasons for its development, moreover, previous surgeries involving the eyes can also be a cause of glaucoma. Diabetes and other diseases are also one of the main culprits associated with glaucoma. Those who take in steroids are also more prone to glaucoma because the use of steroids is much associated with the occurrence of the disease.

Coming of age

As we age, our bodies' efficiency gradually deteriorates. Age is also a common cause of glaucoma. Studies have shown that age and the occurrence of glaucoma are directly correlated. This means that as one ages, he is more prone to have glaucoma than when he was younger.

Ethnicity

Race is also a main factor when it comes to pinpointing the causes of glaucoma. As mentioned earlier, there are more African-Americans that are pestered by glaucoma than Caucasian-Americans. The specific type of glaucoma that is hitting the African-American population is called the chronic glaucoma. African-Americans are also more prone to have glaucoma at a younger age, starting at 45.

Family glaucoma history

Just like any of the common modern diseases, the possibility of glaucoma occurring is higher in people who come from families who have glaucoma history.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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