There are several diseases that can cause blindness, especially if they are not treated. Age-related macular degeneration occurs due to age and the deterioration of the optic nerve over time. Cataracts can also cause blindness if they are allowed to get worse and are not removed before they do significant damage. Among all eye conditions and diseases, glaucoma is probably the most well-known. Although it cannot be totally cured, there are treatments available that can keep it from worsening and to preserve eyesight.
Beware of Eye Pressure
The level of pressure inside the eye is known as intraocular pressure. Higher levels of pressure inside of the eye is caused by the deterioration of the optic nerve. This can be due to age most of the time, so people in their later years are more likely to develop it. This particular type of decline of the optic nerve’s strength causes increased production of eye fluid called aqueous humor pressure in the frontal part of the eye. In normal cases, the aqueous humor would be drained out of the eye very easily. In cases of glaucoma, the drainage doesn’t occur. The reason for this build-up and blockage is not quite clear. However, this blockage leads to pressure that begins to damage the eye and reduce the quality of eyesight.
Are You at Risk?
Certain groups of people are most at risk for developing glaucoma. The aging process can definitely be part of the reason some people get it. This is why it’s important to get regular eye exams and have the pressure in your eyes measured. Catching rising pressure in the eyes before it gets worse can make all the difference. The sooner measures are taken to relieve the pressure, the better the chances of preserving your eyesight.
Those who have a family member with this disease have a higher chance of developing it themselves. If you have had poor vision throughout your life, you are also more likely to develop it during the later years of life. Those who have had diabetes for a number of years sometimes start experiencing symptoms of pressure in their eyes.
Common Symptoms
Most people don’t have telling symptoms until they begin to notice a loss of peripheral vision. They have to look directly at an object or person in order to see it without experiencing blurry vision. However, when the pressure levels begin significantly rising, a severe headache and pain in the eyes might be telling symptoms. There might be other symptoms when glaucoma is in its advanced stages, including nausea and vomiting, blurred vision and seeing halos around lights.
At Wichita Vision Institute, Dr. Reena Patel offers a variety of glaucoma treatments. If you are interested in learning more, visit us at our office in Wichita, KS. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!