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Glaucoma affects millions of people throughout the world, but there remains uncertainty among the general population about what it is, how it is caused, and what glaucoma specialists can do to help with the problem.
This disease, which is actually a combination of eye conditions, is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States. It is often associated with tremendous levels of interocular pressure (IOP), which places huge amounts of strain on the optic nerve – the central line between the eye and the brain. There are four different diagnosed forms of Glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, congential glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma.
Causes
In order to understand what a person develops Glaucoma, one has to first grasp the basic workings of the eye. At the front of the eyeball – the portion seen by the world each day – there is a clear, protective layer of fluid. This is actually produced at the back of the eye and then brought forward through a series of chambers. However, this system can become blocked and when it does, the pressure within the eye increases. This is what is known as IOP. If the pressure continues to grow, severe damage to the nerves of the eye – including the optic nerve fibers – is possible and may not be reversible.
The cause of Open-Angle Glaucoma, which is also referred to as Chronic Glaucoma, is not entirely known. The IOP builds slowly and places undue stress on the optic nerve, as well as the retina. The condition does seem to be genetic and seems to favor the African and African-American population.
Acute Glaucoma, or Angle-Closure Glaucoma, occurs when the fluid release chambers near the front of the eye are suddenly blocked. The pressure builds up much faster with this type of Glaucoma and can become very painful for patients. There have been demonstrated ties between some forms of dilating eye drops and this emergency condition. Once experiencing it in one eye, a patient is more susceptible to a similar occurrence in the other. Thus, most Austin ophthalmologists will recommend special preventative measures be taken.
Another form of glaucoma that families must remain aware of is congenital. This hereditary form of the disease is often passed through generations and can even present at birth. An abnormal flow of fluid is often noted very early on.
Secondary Glaucoma, the fourth and final type, is something brought on by an outside element. It could be caused by certain medications, by other eye diseases, or as a result of systemic disease, which would cause damage to many organs and tissues within the body.
Treatment
Surgeons can correct many eye conditions today through the use of LASIK, Cataract surgeries, and corneal transplant in Austin. Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be treated surgically. Some forms will even respond well to mere eye drops or oral medications. In the cases of acute angle-closure glaucoma, more immediate treatment is necessary and medication may be supplied through IV.
While some symptoms of this emergency type of glaucoma could make a person suddenly question the need for an allergy eye doctor, in addition to swelling, red eyes, there is often sudden and severe pain, as well as nausea. If this occurs, medical attention is necessary immediately.
Broberg Eye Care
4207 James Casey St # 305
Austin, TX 78745-1193
(512) 447-6096
