Issue 44.11
You may hear a lot about Glaucoma, but what is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, and affects 2 to 3 million Americans each year. Many of those affected do not even know they have the disorder. Glaucoma has been called the “sneak thief of sight”; it often has few or no warning signs, and damage may have already been done to the eye by the time it is diagnosed.
Glaucoma is caused by the eye’s inability to withstand existing pressure within the eye. A specific fluid called aqueous humor fills the front portion of the eye. This fluid is constantly produced and drains out of the eye and into the bloodstream. Ordinarily, the aqueous humor helps maintain normal pressure within the eye, but for people with glaucoma the fluid may drain too slowly. The result is a buildup of fluid and pressure inside the eye. When the pressure is too high, the nerve fibers and blood vessels in the optic nerve (which carries messages from the eye to the brain) can be damaged or destroyed.
The most common type of glaucoma is called chronic glaucoma or primary open angle glaucoma. It is painless and causes very gradual vision loss. This type cannot be cured but it can usually be effectively controlled with medication or surgery.
The best defense against glaucoma is regular dilated eye examinations by your ophthalmologist or optometrist. Early detection can mean the difference between normal and lost vision. For more information you can visit www.richenseyecenter.com or if it is time for your eye exam please call Richens Eye Center at 1-435-986-2020.