Glaucoma

    /24-7PressRelease/ - September 17, 2006 - About three million Americans have glaucoma. There are no warning signs in the early stages, and it is estimated that about half of the people who have it don't know they have it. Glaucoma causes vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve.

Open Angle Glaucoma
Primary open angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. The drainage canals of the eye are clogged deep inside preventing fluid from flowing out of the eye and causing pressure to build. The entrances to the canals are clear and the clogging is deep inside of the canals. Vision loss is gradual as this type of glaucoma progresses slowly.

Primary open angle glaucoma is treated with medication, and responds best when caught early.

Open angle glaucoma can also be a secondary condition caused by injury, disease, other eye problems or medications. There are several types of secondary glaucoma including:

· Pseudoexfoliative - flaking of the outer layer of the lens of the eye collects between the cornea and the iris blocking drainage. Treated with medication or surgery.
· Pigmentary - granules of pigment from the iris break into the fluid inside the eye and slowly clog drainage canals. Treated with medication or surgery.
· Traumatic - bruising and penetrating eye injuries can cause bleeding in the eye, tearing of the iris, swelling and scarring, all of which can block the flow of fluids out of the eye.
· Neovascular - abnormal formation of new blood vessels, usually associated with diabetes, blocks the drainage canals. Very difficult to treat
· Irido Corneal Endothelial Syndrome (ICE) - cells from the cornea spread over the drainage canals and iris, and bind the iris to the cornea, blocking drainage. This usually occurs in one eye, rather than both eyes, and is most common in fair-skinned women. Treated with medication and surgery.


Angle Closure Glaucoma
With angle closure glaucoma, also known as acute or narrow angle glaucoma, the iris of the eye blocks the drainage canals. Pressure builds very quickly. Symptoms include:

· Eye pain
· Blurred vision
· Rainbows around lights at night
· Headaches
· Nausea

Angle closure glaucoma is treated with surgery which removes the outer edge of the iris and allows the fluid to flow out of the eye, returning pressure to normal. The results of treatment are long term or permanent.

Normal Tension Glaucoma
Normal tension glaucoma is still a bit of a mystery. The optic nerve is damaged even though pressure inside the eye is within normal range. People of Japanese descent and those with cardiovascular disease are the most likely to develop this form of glaucoma. Keeping the pressure low inside of the eye seems to slow down or prevent the damage. Normal tension glaucoma is treated with surgery or medication.

Congenital Glaucoma
Some children are born with glaucoma. This happens when the drainage system of the eye does not develop properly before birth. If caught early, congenital glaucoma can be corrected or managed with medication or surgery. Symptoms of congenital glaucoma include:

· Unusually large eyes
· Cloudy eyes
· Light sensitivity
· Excessive tearing
· Headaches
· Eye pain
· Excessive blinking
· Eyes that are red all the time

At this time there is no known cure for glaucoma. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, but early detection and treatment can prevent further damage and vision loss. Since there are rarely early warning signs regular eye exams are the best defense against glaucoma and vision loss.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of glaucoma, have a family history of the condition, or have not had an eye exam which tests intraocular pressure recently, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor today. You can find information on glaucoma and many other topics at The Lasik Directory.

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