Most people never think about the fact that it is a tremendous advantage to be able to see clearly. People that cannot see well or are blind have a very distinct disadvantage. Not only do they have to depend upon others to cope, but they also have to miss out on some of the greatest pleasures of life. There are numerous conditions that can cause deteriorating eyesight, but many of them can be treated. When suffering from glaucoma San Antonio TX residents need to seek professional help straight away.
This is not really just one clearly defined disease, but rather a number of conditions that cause damage to the optic nerves that serve as a connection between the retina and the brain. There are more than a million of these nerve bundles and when they are damaged, eyesight can decrease rapidly. In the majority of cases this damage is caused by abnormally high eye pressure. The disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed.
There are a number of risk factors that can lead to the development of this disease. Any family history of this condition places one at risk. African Americans older than forty and Mexican Americans are particularly high risk groups. Anyone at risk, or people that experience some of the symptoms should consult a ophthalmologist without delay. Tests will reveal whether the condition is present.
There are also some symptoms that may be an indication that the disease has manifested itself. People who see halos when they look at lights, or experience tunnel vision, should be concerned. A deterioration of peripheral vision is also often a serious warning sign. These symptoms do not necessarily means that the disease has taken hold, but they should prompt sufferers to seek professional advice without delay.
There is a range of tests that can be done to diagnose this disease. Chief amongst them is a dilated eye exam. During this test eye drops that completely dilate the pupils are administered. This allows the specialist to use high powered magnifying lenses to examine the inside of the eye. They can determine whether there is any damage to the optic nerves and, if so, what the the extent of the damage is.
There are several treatment options. While the disease cannot be cured or the existing damage reversed, much can be done to slow down the development of the condition. The most common treatment is the use of pills and eye drops to lower the eye pressure. The most common problem experienced by ophthalmologists is patients that do not use their medication strictly as prescribed.
In extreme cases laser or traditional surgery is performed to drain the eye. Unfortunately, this is not a permanent solution. Patients will have to keep on using their eye drops or their pills and it is unfortunate that they are likely to experience uncomfortable side effects such as high blood pressure, burning eyes or constant tiredness. These are minor inconveniences, however, when compared to blindness.
There have been astounding advances in the field of medicine during the past few decades. Glaucoma affects millions of people but it can now be managed. It is vital to see a professional when one is part of a high risk group or if symptoms manifest themselves. Perhaps future developments will even make a cure possible.
This is not really just one clearly defined disease, but rather a number of conditions that cause damage to the optic nerves that serve as a connection between the retina and the brain. There are more than a million of these nerve bundles and when they are damaged, eyesight can decrease rapidly. In the majority of cases this damage is caused by abnormally high eye pressure. The disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed.
There are a number of risk factors that can lead to the development of this disease. Any family history of this condition places one at risk. African Americans older than forty and Mexican Americans are particularly high risk groups. Anyone at risk, or people that experience some of the symptoms should consult a ophthalmologist without delay. Tests will reveal whether the condition is present.
There are also some symptoms that may be an indication that the disease has manifested itself. People who see halos when they look at lights, or experience tunnel vision, should be concerned. A deterioration of peripheral vision is also often a serious warning sign. These symptoms do not necessarily means that the disease has taken hold, but they should prompt sufferers to seek professional advice without delay.
There is a range of tests that can be done to diagnose this disease. Chief amongst them is a dilated eye exam. During this test eye drops that completely dilate the pupils are administered. This allows the specialist to use high powered magnifying lenses to examine the inside of the eye. They can determine whether there is any damage to the optic nerves and, if so, what the the extent of the damage is.
There are several treatment options. While the disease cannot be cured or the existing damage reversed, much can be done to slow down the development of the condition. The most common treatment is the use of pills and eye drops to lower the eye pressure. The most common problem experienced by ophthalmologists is patients that do not use their medication strictly as prescribed.
In extreme cases laser or traditional surgery is performed to drain the eye. Unfortunately, this is not a permanent solution. Patients will have to keep on using their eye drops or their pills and it is unfortunate that they are likely to experience uncomfortable side effects such as high blood pressure, burning eyes or constant tiredness. These are minor inconveniences, however, when compared to blindness.
There have been astounding advances in the field of medicine during the past few decades. Glaucoma affects millions of people but it can now be managed. It is vital to see a professional when one is part of a high risk group or if symptoms manifest themselves. Perhaps future developments will even make a cure possible.
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