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Glaucoma: Eyes
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Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that are characterized by intraocular pressure levels that damage the optic nerve and nerve fibers that form parts of the retina in the back of the eye. The optic nerve links the light-perceiving tissues of the eye with the parts of the brain that process visual information. Glaucoma is a common cause of preventable vision loss and can be treated by prescription drugs, laser therapies, and surgery. People with glaucoma often have no symptoms until they begin to experience loss of part of their peripheral vision. It is important to note that visual loss from glaucoma is permanent and irreversible in most cases, hence the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
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Glaucoma is one of the major causes of blindness. Glaucoma is a group of conditions, in which high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) damages the optic nerve of the eye. Glaucoma usually affects both the eyes. It commonly occurs in adults above 40 years of age, but can even occur in newborn babies. The vision lost due to glaucoma is irreversible and can not be regained. Hence it is very important to detect this disease as early as possible and treat early to preserve vision.
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Glaucoma treatment seeks to decrease intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve. Different types of glaucoma require different therapies to prevent further damage to the eye's structures. At the beginning of treatment, the doctor will generally recommend medication or a combination of medications for the specific condition. Therapies may include:
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Glaucoma can affect the eyes in one of two ways. It usually affects both eyes, and it is the leading cause of blindness in the world. The fluid (that stops flowing and builds up the pressure, or the main cause of glaucoma) has a little to do with it, too. It keeps the eye firm and clear and if it doesn’t flow through the eye, then the eye doesn’t stay clear and firm. The pressure ... affects the vision of the person. The pressure can damage the optic nerve and you lose your eyesight; the first to go is how far you can see, and the peripheral vision or how far you can see to the side.
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Glaucoma is not usually diagnosed on the initial exam, and certainly cannot be determined by measuring eye pressure alone, regardless of the pressure. In general, the diagnosis of glaucoma implies optic nerve injury and loss of peripheral vision. Patients with increased eye pressures only, are said to have "ocular hypertension," or possibly are referred to as "glaucoma suspects". On the initial evaluation, most ophthalmologists will obtain eye pressure readings and complete a dilated eye exam in which the optic nerve is carefully evaluated. An enlarged depression (called a "cup to disc ratio") in the optic nerve may be indicative of glaucoma. (The exact description of this and a number of other important variables are disregarded here for the sake of succinctness.)
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Glaucoma is often treated with eye drops taken regularly several times a day, sometimes in combination with pills. These medications will alter the circulation of eye fluid and lower eye pressure, either by decreasing the production of fluid within the eye, or by increasing the flow leaving the drainage angle. It is important to tell all of your doctors about the eye medications you are using because glaucoma medications can have side-effects. You should notify your ophthalmologist immediately if you think you may be experiencing side-effects. Side-effects from some eye drops may include a stinging sensation, red eyes, blurred vision, headaches, or changes in pulse, heartbeat or breathing. Side-effects from pills may include tingling of fingers and toes, drowsiness, loss of appetite, bowel irregularities, kidney stones, anemia or bleeding disorders.
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