Protecting the health of the eyes
is synonymous with glaucoma prevention. When it comes to preventing
the second cause of blindness in America, glaucoma, there are
a few measures to take. Amongst ophthalmologists glaucoma is deemed
a ‘silent thief of sight’. Protecting against the debilitating
disease is a matter of being informed of the risks. According
to Dr. Louis B. Cantor, a specialist of glaucoma, individuals
at the greatest risk include the following:
? African-Americans over the age of 40
? Middle-aged to elderly adults (over 50)
? Individuals who come from a family history of glaucoma
? Patients with other medical conditions (diabetics)
? People who experienced a severe eye injury
Dissimilar to other medical conditions that are accompanied
by a myriad of symptoms and adverse effects, glaucoma renders
subtle telltale signs. For the most part, the beginning stage
does not show any symptoms. With the progression of the disease
an individuals with glaucoma may experience a gradual loss of
vision. The symptoms include the following medical conditions:
? A loss of peripheral vision
? Blurry vision
? Problems focusing on objects
? The presence or appearance of halos from lights
Glaucoma Factoid: Based on the reports by the National Eye
Institute, approximately, fifty million Americans are in danger
of vision loss from glaucoma.
In order to prevent the silent thief from stealing your vision,
annual eye exams are recommended because the symptom may go
unnoticed. While public awareness is critical in curtailing
the glaucoma, preliminary screening may prevent vision loss.
At present date, glaucoma is treated with a regimen of prescribed
eye drops. The main objective in medically treating glaucoma
entails reducing the pressure in the eye. With the progression
of the disease, patients may require laser treatments and eventually
surgery.
