Glaucoma is among the most dreaded conditions that affect eyes. When someone first gets diagnosed with the condition, the world can come crumbling around them. It is a condition that is known to cause loss of vision that is relentless, painless and progressive. It is classified as the second most common cause of preventable blindness in the world. In considering the condition glaucoma San Antonio TX residents should know facts about it.
There are various causes of glaucoma, both rare and common causes. In fact, it is not a disease but a combination of conditions with the only common thing being that they will lead to damage of optic nerve. The optic nerve is what transmits images from eyes to the brain. The nerves will start getting damaged over a period of time. Being that the loss of vision takes some time, one may not detect it easily.
There are two causes of glaucoma. The first is whereby the defect is within eyes. This is the commonest cause. The other cause is when such defects lie in the optical disk. It is not as common. If the defect is in eyes, it involves increase in pressure of eyes and optical nerve will be damaged. This results because of increased pressure. The increased pressure damages the optic nerve by reducing blood supply to the optic nerve. Nerve cells also damage nerve cells.
It is important that one knows the cause of increased pressure within eyes. Normally, there is constant formation of fluids in eyes which drain out constantly. This fluid is called aqueous humor and is not same as tears because tears are formed outside eyes whereas the aqueous humor is on the outside. When there is drainage, there will be imbalance in fluids forming and draining. The is what causes pressure rise.
There is closed angle glaucoma. The eye structure through which the fluid drains out is known as the angle. The open angle version is the most common and involves cells forming the angle being abnormal. This is such that they will not allow adequate fluid drainage. There will be increased pressure. The angle is open but abnormal and hence the name. In the closed case, the drainage angle will be closed mechanically, which interferes with drainage of fluids. It is more common in Asia.
There are three treatment options that one can consider. They are laser treatment, use of eye drops and surgery. The medications will be given as eye drops. In very rare instances, pills may be used but as a temporary measure. Medications work by limiting quantity of fluids produced by eyes. Drainage will also be improved when eye drops and medications are used.
Laser surgical treatment will involve using low energy light beams. The beams of light are aimed at drainage channels so that there is better outflow. This will in turn reduce pressure in eyes. The surgery is performed in the office of a surgeon.
The use of surgery is recommended when laser treatment and eye drops do not manage the pressure. Surgery is supposed to enhance drainage. It will will include placing shunts and stents.
There are various causes of glaucoma, both rare and common causes. In fact, it is not a disease but a combination of conditions with the only common thing being that they will lead to damage of optic nerve. The optic nerve is what transmits images from eyes to the brain. The nerves will start getting damaged over a period of time. Being that the loss of vision takes some time, one may not detect it easily.
There are two causes of glaucoma. The first is whereby the defect is within eyes. This is the commonest cause. The other cause is when such defects lie in the optical disk. It is not as common. If the defect is in eyes, it involves increase in pressure of eyes and optical nerve will be damaged. This results because of increased pressure. The increased pressure damages the optic nerve by reducing blood supply to the optic nerve. Nerve cells also damage nerve cells.
It is important that one knows the cause of increased pressure within eyes. Normally, there is constant formation of fluids in eyes which drain out constantly. This fluid is called aqueous humor and is not same as tears because tears are formed outside eyes whereas the aqueous humor is on the outside. When there is drainage, there will be imbalance in fluids forming and draining. The is what causes pressure rise.
There is closed angle glaucoma. The eye structure through which the fluid drains out is known as the angle. The open angle version is the most common and involves cells forming the angle being abnormal. This is such that they will not allow adequate fluid drainage. There will be increased pressure. The angle is open but abnormal and hence the name. In the closed case, the drainage angle will be closed mechanically, which interferes with drainage of fluids. It is more common in Asia.
There are three treatment options that one can consider. They are laser treatment, use of eye drops and surgery. The medications will be given as eye drops. In very rare instances, pills may be used but as a temporary measure. Medications work by limiting quantity of fluids produced by eyes. Drainage will also be improved when eye drops and medications are used.
Laser surgical treatment will involve using low energy light beams. The beams of light are aimed at drainage channels so that there is better outflow. This will in turn reduce pressure in eyes. The surgery is performed in the office of a surgeon.
The use of surgery is recommended when laser treatment and eye drops do not manage the pressure. Surgery is supposed to enhance drainage. It will will include placing shunts and stents.
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If you're suffering from glaucoma San Antonio TX eye clinic invites you to pay a visit to this website. Make an appointment today through http://www.saeye.com/glaucoma.html.
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