Understanding Glaucoma – Helm Vision Group

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the U.S. In general, glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye and causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is like an electric cable with over a million wires that carry images from the eye to the brain. Intraocular pressure increases when the drainage area of the eye becomes clogged. This pressure elevation can occur slowly as a result of aging, or suddenly in the case of angle closure glaucoma. Glaucoma often develops over many years without causing pain or other noticeable symptoms.
Experts estimate that half of the people affected by glaucoma may not know they have it. Symptoms develop when the disease is advanced and vision loss begins to encroach on central vision. Some patients with glaucoma can even have normal or near normal eye pressures. It was once thought that high pressure within the eye was the sole cause of this optic nerve damage. Although elevated intraocular pressure is clearly a major risk factor, we now know that other factors are also involved in causing a person to develop glaucoma.
Fortunately, if it is caught early glaucoma can usually be controlled. If you are over 40, African-American, have a family history of glaucoma, are diabetic or very nearsighted, you should have your eyes checked every year. To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity and visual field as well as the pressure in your eye.
Did You Know?
Glaucoma is responsible for 15 percent of blindness in adults in the United States. Chronic glaucoma often causes no symptoms until late in the disease when it has already caused severe and irreversible damage to vision.
It is usually detected only by regular, routine eye examinations. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent visual impairment caused by glaucoma. That some asthma inhalers and cortisone-containing medications can dangerously increase eye pressures.
It is worth repeating that early diagnosis and treatment are the most important factors in preventing visual impairment from glaucoma. So, don’t put off your regular, routine eye exams just because you have no symptoms especially if there is a family history of the disorder or you are taking any cortisone-containing medications.For more information please contact Helm Vision Group at 661-259-3937 or visit their website at: www.helmvisiongroup.com.