Glaucoma is the most prevalent trigger of permanent vision loss in the world. Losing your vision without hope of recovering it can be frustrating and depressing. The painful symptoms may also prevent you from accomplishing your tasks effectively. Swati Kumar OD, FAAO, an eye specialist at Alamo Eye Care, offers effective noninvasive treatments that avoid glaucoma progression, preserving your vision.
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What are the different forms of glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group name of several eye conditions that impair your optic nerve, which is critical for good vision. While there may be several forms of glaucoma, ophthalmologists group them into primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma.
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Primary open-angle glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most prevalent form of glaucoma, and it is a progressive eye condition that can potentially cause vision loss. This disease occurs due to the clogging of your trabecular meshwork drainage, elevating the pressure in your eye. Primary open-angle glaucoma develops slowly, and initially, it may not cause any visual changes or p[ain, making it difficult to detect. You may only start experiencing vision loss once advanced, making routine eye checkups crucial.
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Angle-closure glaucoma
Often referred to as narrow-angle glaucoma, glaucoma develops when your iris protrudes excessively, blocking the drainage angle. This blockage prevents fluid circulation in your eye, resulting in a spike in eye pressure, leading to acute glaucoma attacks. This form of glaucoma causes sudden symptoms such as severe eye ache, tunnel vision, vomiting, halos, and headaches, making it a medical emergency. If acute angle-closure glaucoma is left untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss.
Are children at risk of developing glaucoma?
Rarely do children develop glaucoma, but the symptoms may be difficult to detect when it occurs. In most cases, the physicians at Alamo Eye Care may detect glaucoma in children before they reach six months. You may notice photophobia, excessive tearing, an enlarged or cloudy cornea, or vision loss. As the disease advances, your child may experience extreme pain, causing them to cry hysterically. Your child may also develop a poor appetite and may seem more irritable. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, call your eye specialist at Alamo Eye Care for diagnosis and treatment.
How can you prevent glaucoma?
The effects of glaucoma are irreversible, making it essential to adopt preventative measures to preserve your eyesight. Early diagnosis may respond well to treatment, slowing down its progression, but you may have to undergo treatment forever. The Alamo Eye Care recommends getting regulated dilated eye exams for early detection of glaucoma to control damage and prevent vision loss. Knowing your family history may also help early diagnosis through frequent eye screenings. Regular exercise also prevents pressure build-up in your eyes, preventing the development of glaucoma. Your physician may also prescribe specific eye drops to reduce eye pressure, preventing the progression of this disease. Eye injuries can also contribute to glaucoma, and wearing eye protection when playing high-speed racket sports may protect you from the disorder.
To explore more about glaucoma, call the Alamo Eye Care office or visit the website to create an appointment.
