For those who are unaware of what glaucoma diseases is all about; it pertains to a group of diseases which result in damaging optic nerves. The damage can sometimes be severe enough to cause permanent blindness.
Glaucoma is a preeminent cause of vision loss and blindness. People tend to be unaware that glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages. Glaucoma can usually be controlled before noticeable vision loss happens if detected early and vision loss may frequently be prevented. But, the lost vision cannot be restored.
Note: January is celebrated as Glaucoma Awareness Month. It was first initiated by The National Eye Institute in order to encourage people to make a resolution for healthy vision and be aware of the symptoms, causes, and treatment options of the chronic disease.
Glaucoma Doesn’t Have Apparent Symptoms
Glaucoma can occur to anybody. More than 2.7 million Americans over age 40 are diagnosed with glaucoma, and that number is predicted to double by the year 2050. Glaucoma doesn’t demonstrate some usual indications to blindness: no pain, no blurring of vision. In fact, it can develop in both eyes simultaneously. Throughout the later stages of Glaucoma, the eyes will slowly lose their peripheral vision, later leading from that which essentially is “tunnel vision.” If it’s not treated, then eventually the central or tunnel vision will also begin to decline, until one or both eyes are completely blind.
How to Detect Glaucoma?
Right now, the only means to detect glaucoma is by getting a thorough dilated eye exam. An eye-care practitioner drops of ophthalmic atropine. This helps in dilating the pupils, allowing the eye doctor to completely inspect the back of the eyes. If signs of glaucoma are detected, the healthcare professional can decide whether the individual needs to experience vision therapy, or–as is usually the case with kiddies — has to undergo another test in a year’s period.
Damaged Optic Nerves Cannot Be Restored
Glaucoma might be slowed down or ceased if detected and treated whilst in its early stages. It can not be restored once the injury to the optic nerves has put inside. Certain things such as increased eye pressure may increase the danger of glaucoma. The only clinically proven treatment for glaucoma is reduction of pressure in the eye.
New Glaucoma Treatments Are Increasingly Being Researched
There are high chances that the glaucoma patients in future will hopefully take advantage of new treatments that are being researched. The National Eye Institute is currently researching a sort of lens that dispenses medication within the eye itself. Research is also being conducted on how best to protect the cells which comprise the optic nerve, retinal ganglion cells, and much more.
But for now, we’ll recommend you to visit your community eye care professional and also get your eyes examined.
Want to Know More About How To Deal With Glaucoma? Click Here.