October's Monthly Topic On Glaucoma Is Now Live!

Author Note: I am in no a professional of any kind. I am strongly against self-diagnosis, and I encourage my audience to please seek the professional advice of their own trusted medical professional and any other trusted professional depending on the topic at hand. The Abler Blog ONLY PROVIDES LIMITED GENERAL INFORMATION. AND ALWAYS CITES WHERE THEY FIND THEIR RESOURCES AND OR INFORMATION. Jessica Niziolek, Founder Of The Abler Blog, and online community. October Topic For The Abler Blog:Glaucoma Resources Used: mayoclinic.org What Is Glaucoma? It is a group of eye conditions that causes damage to the optic nerve. This effects the person’s good vision. The optic nerve is also very vital to the person(s) good vision. What Causes Glaucoma? This condition is caused by an abnormal high amount of pressure in the eyes. This condition is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of sixty. However, this can occur in anyone But is more likely to occur in someone older There are many types of this condition that have no warning signs. The effects of this condition are so gradual, that the person may not notice them until they’re in the advance stages. Vision loss caused by this condition cannot be recovered. It is extremely important to have your eyes checked, especially the eye pressure in them. Early detection is key to treating this condition. To slow down or prevent the loss of vision entirely. If diagnosed with this condition, you will be treated for it the rest of your life. Even with treatment, about 15% of people become blind in at least one eye within twenty years. What Are The Symptoms? Symptoms vary depending on how advanced the condition is for the person as well as what type they have. For instance, with Acute angle-closure glaucoma some of the symptoms are as follows: Severe headache Eye pain Eye redness The Different Types Of Glaucoma Open-Angel Glaucoma: This is the most common form of this condition. The drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris remains open, but the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked. This causes pressure in the eye to gradually increase. This pressure damages the optic nerve. It happens so slowly that you may lose vision before you're even aware of a problem. Angle-closure glaucoma Angle-closure glaucoma, also called closed-angle glaucoma, occurs when the iris bulges forward to narrow or block the drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris. As a result, fluid can't circulate through the eye and pressure increases. Some people have narrow drainage angles, putting them at increased risk of angle-closure glaucoma. Angle-closure glaucoma may occur suddenly (acute angle-closure glaucoma) or gradually (chronic angle-closure glaucoma). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Normal-tension glaucoma In normal-tension glaucoma, your optic nerve becomes damaged even though your eye pressure is within the normal range. No one knows the exact reason for this. You may have a sensitive optic nerve, or you may have less blood being supplied to your optic nerve. This limited blood flow could be caused by atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries — or other conditions that impair circulation. Pigmentary glaucoma In pigmentary glaucoma, pigment granules from your iris build up in the drainage channels, slowing or blocking fluid exiting your eye. Activities such as jogging sometimes stir up the pigment granules, depositing them on the trabecular meshwork and causing intermittent pressure elevations. Can Glaucoma Effect Children? The short answer is yes, it is possible for children and infants to get this condition. It may present itself at brith, or develop in the first few years of the child’s life. This may occur if there is a blockage and or drainage issue or a possible underlying condition. What Are The Risks For Glaucoma? Having high internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure) Being over age 60 Being black, Asian or Hispanic Having a family history of glaucoma Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia Having corneas that are thin in the center Being extremely nearsighted or farsighted Having had an eye injury or certain types of eye surgery Taking corticosteroid medications, especially eyedrops, for a long time Self-care Tips To Help In The Detection Of Glaucoma In The Early Stages Get regular dilated eye examinations. Know your family's eye health history. Exercise safely. Take prescribed eyedrops regularly. Wear eye protection. When To See A Doctor Promptly go to an emergency room or an eye doctor's (ophthalmologist's) office if you experience some of the symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, such as severe headache, eye pain and blurred vision. The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Glaucoma Treatment will most likely depend on your doctor and of course the type of glaucoma you have. As well as how advanced it is. For an idea on treatment options, you can go to this link to find out what options could be available to you.