subject: Educate Yourself About Glaucoma The Abcs Of Glaucoma [print this page] Many people believe that glaucoma is restricted to just the elderly when, in fact, it can affect children as well as young adults. Glaucoma occurs when the natural fluids within the eye fail to drain properly. The buildup of this fluid can then lead to intraocular pressure, which can then damage the optic nerve and lead to impaired vision.
How do I know if I have glaucoma?
Most people experience impaired vision as the first sign that a problem is present. There are other symptoms of glaucoma, though they may not always surface. If you experience them or suddenly have impaired vision, you should see your eye doctor immediately to find out what the problem is.
What are the other symptoms of glaucoma?
Other symptoms of glaucoma include eye pain, red eyes, halos, clouded vision, as well as headaches and nausea. The pressure in your eye can cause these to happen, or these symptoms may not appear at all. Routine eye exams are a good way to obtain early detection.
Can it be treated?
Though there is no cure for the problem, there are different treatments for it. You can take medication or you can opt for glaucoma surgery. Both of these options work toward lowering the pressure built up by the fluids in the eye. Though medications are the most common way to deal with it, glaucoma surgery can help by expanding the drainage area or creating a new area for the fluid to drain from. The ultimate goal of glaucoma surgery is to remove the fluid and alleviate the pressure.
What if it goes untreated?
If the fluids in the eye fail to drain, the pressure will only increase. Not only will it lead to impaired vision, eventually it can cause blindness. It is one of the leading causes of blindness today. If you are having problems, see your eye doctor immediately.
