GLAUCOMA: THE SILENT THIEF OF SIGHT
Glaucoma affects the eyes.it's a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve of the eyes ,following the build up of pressure in the eyes.
The increased intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve which transmits image to the brain. If the damage continues ,it can lead to permanent vision loss ,if it's left untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent blindness within few years
Risk Factors
-Increased intraocular pressure (greater than 21mmhg)
-Family history of glaucoma
-Migraine
-High blood pressure
-Obesity
-Prolonged use of steroids
-Ocular trauma
-Conditions that restrict blood flow to the eyes e. g. Diabetic retinopathy.
-Poor vision
-Ethinicity: Asian, African, Irish etc
-Shortsightedness and farsightedness
Symptoms :
~Most people don't have any symptoms, but others may have:
~Loss of peripheral or side vision
~Loss of vision
~Nausea and vomiting
~Eye pain
~Narrowed vision
~Seeing halos around light
~Eye redness
~Hazy eyes
Diagnosis :
Through examination of your eyes by eyes doctor.
A test called tonometry(to check eye pressure), Central visual field etc... can be done.
Prevention:
Most of the things that makes you likely get glaucoma are beyond your control, but a comprehensive eye examination can help in early diagnosis.
Treatment :
*Use of medications e. g eyedrops.
*Surgical procedures e. g trabeculectomy etc
Note:With glaucoma, lost vision can't be restored, but sticking to the treatment plan and reducing the eye pressure can preserve the sight.FROM NURSES FORUM