Glaucoma – The Sneak Thief of Sight

Date: 2010.06.27 | Category: Uncategorized | Tags:

Glaucoma is a disease whereby the eye becomes compromised and the optic nerve becomes damaged. As the disease causes vision loss over an extended period of time, sometimes with no easily identifiable symptoms, it is often referred to, in a colloquial sense, as the ’sneak thief of sight’. However, glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and even blindness worldwide, and while advances in medical treatment for vision ailments are forever progressing, no such elucidation is available to restore previous vision quality once the disease has damaged the optic area. However, if the presence of glaucoma in the eye is detected at the early stages of development, it is possible to impede the progression with medication, and if necessary, surgical procedures.

The disease is traditionally divided into two groups; open and closed angle glaucoma. The most common type is open angle glaucoma, being characterised by a fluid build up which causes intraocular pressure, leading to damage to the optic nerve and impaired vision. The fluid build up is a result of the disease reducing the effectiveness of the eyes filtration area, known as the trabecular network, therefore the liquid that usually forms in the front section of the eye cannot drain to the normal canals. For open angle glaucoma, reduced vision is usually the first symptom experienced. As this type of the glaucoma progresses slowly, with no apparent warning signs, many individuals who contract it may experience severe vision loss before being diagnosed. This is why it is so important to have regular eye exams with qualified professionals.

In comparison, closed angle glaucoma often appears abruptly – the effects are uncomfortable, sometimes agonising. However, as this type of glaucoma is characterised with painful symptoms, as a result of a rapid accumulation of liquid creating intraocular pressure, it serves as an early warning sign for many who seek the services of an experience optometrist, often before permanent damage occurs. If you are suffering from blurred vision, severe eye pain, headaches, the appearance of rainbows around lights, nausea or vomiting, these are classic signs of closed angle glaucoma and an appointment with an eye specialist should be made immediately.

Optometrists diagnose glaucoma by investigating the intraocular pressure with the eye, visual field tests and optic nerve head appearance. According to medical journals, the key to diagnosing glaucoma is to carefully examine the optic nerve, even if the eye pressure is normal. Computer assisted field tests can highlight the extent of peripheral visual field loss, while at the same time, show if the treatment is slowing the process. The usual medical response to treating glaucoma is through the use of eye drops. Sometimes, however, laser surgery is required to reduce the intraocular pressure. Early detection will greatly influence the type of treatment that will be required.

It is suggested that people over the age of 40 should have their eyes examined for the symptoms of glaucoma every year. Additionally, those who smoke, have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of the disease are at a higher risk of contracting glaucoma and should have regular checks from an early age. Don’t let the ’sneak thief of sight’ take away your vision.

Paterson Burn Optometrists have been in the Waikato, New Zealand, as Balfour Irvine and Webster and Lawrence and Andrews since 1925. There is over 80 years of history of providing eye care prior to the merger of the two practices in 1995 to form Paterson Burn Optometrists. Seven locations within the Waikato all provide the full scope of modern optometry including therapeutic qualified optometrist able to treat anterior eye infections. Six of our 8 optometrist have undertaken the post graduate studies needed to allow treatment of eye infections. Our many services include retinal camera fundus imaging, glaucoma testing, visual field investigation, tear duct syringing and punctual plugs.

We fit all types of contact lenses including the extended over night wear contact lens as well as multifocal contact lenses giving both distance and reading vision. With the introduction of a corneal topographer we also offer orthokeratology. This is where a contact lens is worn over night to reshape the eye to allow clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Paterson Burn Optometrists

Author: David Burn
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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