Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, but it is surrounded by many mysteries yet to be solved by researchers. Additionally, the general public is not well informed about the risks of glaucoma. “It is estimated that over 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know they have it” (“Glaucoma Facts”, 2013, para. 8). Glaucoma is a disease in which continual pressure to the optic nerve damages it, leading to vision loss (“What is Glaucoma?”, n.d.). Glaucoma is complicated and not very well known. It is important to raise public awareness about this condition so that people with a high risk can have access to testing, glaucoma can be treated properly, and a cure can be found. Therefore, it is essential to know the effects and symptoms, testing methods, potential treatments, genetic causes, and risk groups for glaucoma in order to become more aware for the benefit of individuals with and without glaucoma.
There are several different types of glaucoma; the most common type is primary open-angle glaucoma, or POAG. POAG clogs the eye’s drainage canals, meaning aqueous humor cannot drain out of the eye. The increased pressure on the optic nerve damages it and gradually decreases vision (“Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma,” 2011). However, it is possible to develop glaucoma without an increase in eye pressure, and to have increased eye pressure without developing glaucoma (“Facts About Glaucoma,” n.d.). It is difficult to notice POAG in its early stages because early vision loss is usually not painful and occurs in the peripheral area. Once damage occurs to the optic nerve, there is no way to regain lost vision. If left untreated or unnoticed, POAG leads to severe vision loss and blindness, which can have a ...
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They say that the eyes are the windows into the soul. When damage to the eyes occur it is usually irreversible, meaning that if this does occur, it is definitely best to find a respected ophthalmologist to fix the problem. Meet Karen D. Todd, my aunt and opthamologist at the Florida Eye Institute in Vero Beach, Florida. Dr. Todd practices general ophthalmology with an emphasis on the latest treatments and diagnostic testing for glaucoma.
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Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent but can be prevented with early detection and treatment. Since the symptoms of the disease are usually unnoticeable, regular eye examination are important especially for persons over the age of 35 and those in high risk group.
Psychguide (2016). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms, Causes and Effects. Retrieved August 20, 2016, from http://psychguides.com
Heart Failure Symptoms WebMD Reviewed by Thomas M. Maddox, MD on May 28, 2012 http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/heart-failure-symptoms
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Some diseases that affect the retina and posterior segment of the eye include diabetic retinopathy, retinal cancer (melanoma), glaucoma, age macular degeneration, and uveitis. Diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma fall under diabetic eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease. It is the damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Gl...
"Symptoms and Diagnosis of Heart Attack." American Heart Association Symptoms and Diagnosis of Heart Attack. American Heart Association, 22 Mar. 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2014.
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Fluid circulating inside the front portion of the eye is produced by a structure called the ciliary body, which is located behind the iris. This fluid moves through the opening of the pupil, passes into the space between the iris and the cornea, and drains out of the eye through a tissue called the angle. With glaucoma, the passing of fluid through the angle is either reduced or suddenly stops, and amounts of fluid inside the eye increase. This high fluid pressure hurts the nerve fibers and the eye's optic nerve and causes blind spots. It may lead to blindness in some cases.
Figure 8. Signs and Symptoms of gingivitis. Webmaster. April 9, 2014. “Gingivitis.” Retrieved from http://www.drslootsky.com/dental-blog/gingivitis.php
Robert, a 65 year-old male, has trouble reading fine detail, especially out of his central vision. He complains that his vision is blurred and that it is harder to see while operating a motor vehicle. In addition, sometimes objects appear wavy or crooked, which impairs his vision. His worst symptoms were that he occasionally lost the ability to distinguish between the features of familiar faces and he had a localized blind spot. Robert is not alone; many people suffer from symptoms related to loss and distortion of the visual field. He suffers from macular degeneration, the leading cause of decreased vision loss in the United States, especially for people over the age of 50 (Philippi, 2000).
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