What is Glaucoma?
- Sep 30, 2020
- 2 min read
Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve (the ‘wire’ that connects your eye to your brain).
Over time, the nerve fibers that make up the optic nerve die off slowly leading to loss of vision. The exact cause of Glaucoma remains unknown however it is related to elevated pressure inside the eye (intra-ocular pressure). The raised pressure is thought to be caused by either an overproduction of Aqueous humor (fluid) inside the eye; or poor drainage of the Aqueous out of the eye.
Aqueous humor is required to maintain the shape of the eye (think of the air inside your car tire) and to provide the structures inside your eye with nutrients. That said, not all cases of Glaucoma are a result of raised pressure and there are cases of normal tension Glaucoma where the pressure inside the eye remains normal but signs of optic nerve damage are still present.
There is no way of knowing you have Glaucoma, unlike other eye conditions, there is no pain or symptoms associated with the condition. There is vision loss, but this only manifests itself when the condition is in its advanced stages and it’s too late to do anything about it.
The best way to pick up Glaucoma is to attend regular eye examinations; your optometrist will shine a light inside your eye and observe the optic nerve - if anything looks suspicious they can refer you on to an Ophthalmologist for further checks. They can also measure the pressure inside your eye using a tonometer to make sure it’s within the normal range.
Although there is no cure for Glaucoma, it can be managed successfully if picked up early. Treatment ranges from the use of eye drops to minor eye surgery. Eye drops consist of either beta-blockers or prostaglandins; beta-blockers work by reducing the amount of Aqueous being produced inside the eye; whereas prostaglandins open the drainage structures inside the eye allowing for better outflow of Aqueous. Sometime a laser beam may be used to create extra ‘holes’ to improve outflow.
Glaucoma is a sight threatening condition and its effects can take months if not years to develop. However, when picked up early, it can be managed successfully and complete sight loss can be prevented. If it goes undetected, it can lead to irreversible sight loss.
I liked how clearly everything was presented and how easy it was to follow. It reminded me of slope2 online with rolling ball mechanics and reaction speed challenges people enjoy.
I read the post about what glaucoma is and how it slowly damages the optic nerve if pressure builds in the eye, and it really helped me understand why regular eye checks matter for keeping vision healthy. When I was overwhelmed by school and career prep last term, I even wondered if an online job placement exam taking service could handle one test while I got my eyes checked with friends. It made me see how health and planning both support success.
Came across this after it popped up in a Chippenham gambling discussion during a midnight session. What kept me engaged was a thoughtful bit on cresus casino together with genuine commentary on modal tabindex negative and dialog focus exclusion for British customers. Nothing exaggerated about tabindex management perfection or focus control mastery. The understated tone was pleasant. When finished, I felt confident, felt like real forum dialogue.
Information about glaucoma helps me expand my knowledge, know how to prevent and have regular check-ups to ensure eye safety. Take advantage of your free time to play dordle and embark on a new journey!