This dangerous disease is the result of too much pressure on the eye.It usually begins after the age of 40 and is a common cause of blindness.To prevent blindness,it is important to recognize the signs of glaucoma and get medical help fast.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which result in damage to the optic nerve and cause vision loss.The most common type is called chronic simple glaucoma.Others are Acute and congenital glacoma.The major causes of glaucoma are Trauma,and Hereditary.
Glaucoma is the second leading causes blindness in the world and can be managed and controlled by using special eye drops,tablet and sugery.
CHRONIC GLAUCOMA(OPEN ANGLE)
Open-angle/chronic glaucoma is usually painless with no symptoms early in the disease process, thus screening via regular eye check-ups important. The only signs are gradually progressive visual field loss, and optic nerve changes (increased cup-to-disc ratio on fundoscopic examination).Testing the side vision may help detect the disease..
If discovered early,treatment with special eye drops (pilocarpine) may prevent blindness.Dosage should be determined by a doctor or health worker who can measure the eye pressure periodically.Drops must be used for the rest of ones life.When possible eye surgery is usually the surest form of treatment.
NOTE:
person's who are over 40 years old or have relatives with glaucoma should should have their eye pressure checked once a year.Positive family history is a risk factor for glaucoma. The relative risk of having primary open-angle glaucoma (P.O.A.G.) is increased about two- to four-fold for people who have a sibling with glaucoma.Glaucoma, particularly primary open-angle glaucoma, is associated with mutations in several genes, including MYOC, ASB10, WDR36, NTF4, TBK1,and RPGRIP1, although most cases of glaucoma do not involve these genetic mutations. Normal-tension glaucoma, which comprises one-third of POAG, is also associated with genetic mutations (including OPA1 and OPTN genes).
ACUTE GLAUCOMA
This starts suddenly with a headache or severe pain in the eyes.The eye becomes red,the vision blurred.The eyeball feels hard to touch,like a marble.There are many vomiting.The pupil of the bad eye is bigger than that of good eye.If not treated very soon,acute glaucoma will cause blindness within few days.Surgery is often needed..Get medical help fast.
CONGENITAL GLAUCOMA
This is evident either at birth or within the first few years of life.This condition is caused by abnormalities in the anterior chamber angle development that obstruct aqueous outflow in the absence of systematic anomalies.A case known as COLOMBOMER.In this condition the child usually have corneal,edema,epiphora,(excessive tearing),blepharo spasm and photophobia.
In normal child, the intraocular pressure is usually at the range of 11-14mmHg,any figure above this is considered abnormal.
