Glaucoma

Glaucoma, according to the medical dictionary, is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve. This can permanently damage vision in the affected eye and lead to blindness if left untreated.

Most often, optic nerve damage is caused by increased pressure in the eye, called intraocular pressure.

According to Don R. Powell, Ph.D., even if a person has 20/20 vision, he or she may have glaucoma.  It is a progressive eye disease that tends to run in families and is a leading cause of blindness.

Causes:

• Dangerous buildup of fluid pressure within the eyeball.
• Can be triggered or aggravated by some medicines, like antihistamines and antispasmodics.

Glaucoma can cause extensive dmage before you notice any symptoms like blurred vision or seeing rings of color around lights.  You can avoid glaucoma by asking to be tested for glaucoma whenever you get a regular vision checkup.  It’s a simple painless procedure.  If pressure inside the eyeball is high, an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) will probably give you eyedrops or oral medication. If this fails to control pressure, other options are:

• Ultrasound – uses sound waves to reduce the pressure in the eye and is usually performed as a short, outpatient procedure.
• Laser beam surgery and other surgical procedures can widen the drainage channels within the eye, relieving fluid buildup.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com