The eyes remain the most important part of your body. However, humans’ eyesight is affected by various ailments due to many factors like age, injuries and wrong medications. Glaucoma is one of the common eye diseases that affect elderly people.
This ailment has several risk factors, signs that will alert you, and treatments that could help people affected by glaucoma. Read on to find out more.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition that negatively affects the sight’s optic nerve. These ailments get worse with time. It is believed that Glaucoma runs in the family and is connected to the pressure inside your eye.
Elderly people, starting from 55 years and above are more likely to have it than the younger population. This increased pressure known as intraocular pressure harms the eye gland. The optical nerve which serves as the tissue sending pictures to the brain is affected.
A severe case of glaucoma can destroy the eye permanently and lead to total blindness. Usually, this ailment doesn’t give early warnings, so a regular checkup with your optician can elongate your vision.
Risk factors for the development of glaucoma
Severe cases of glaucoma are dangerous, therefore be on the lookout for these risk factors.
- Age
People aged 55 and above run the risk of having this vision ailment.
- Race
While, this might seem insignificant, people of Asian, Hispanic, or black have been found to have a higher risk of Glaucoma.
- Health conditions
Some health conditions linked to Glaucoma are high blood pressure, diabetics, and sickle cell anemia.
- Family history
Some glaucoma types have been linked to family history. If any member of your family has it, it may affect you in the future.
- Using some medications
Taking some corticosteroid drugs like eyedrops for too long can cause Glaucoma.
Signs of glaucoma that should alert you to the following
Signs of this eye ailment vary according to the type of glaucoma you have. Some signs you should take note of include the following.
Blurred vision at Old age
When your visions start getting blurred or fuzzy, it is a sign. Also, any type of eye pain should take you to an eye specialist.
Redness of the eyes
When your eye pupil starts getting red every time, see an eye doctor. New studies show that a feeling of nausea and vomiting could be a sign you have Glaucoma.
Blind spots
When you start having blind spots, it could be glaucoma in disguise. Looking after your eye is important even with various treatments, you could still lose your eyesight.
Possible glaucoma treatments
Depending on the severity of your glaucoma condition, your treatment may include oral medications, laser treatment, and prescriptive eyedrops.
Prescriptive Eyedrops
This can help reduce the pressure on the eye by removing fluids from the optic nerve. These include prostaglandin, beta-blockers, and carbonic inhibitors.
Oral medications
When the specialist sees that eyedrops are not enough, he can give you other medications to help with your treatment.
Laser therapy
This treatment is for those with open-angle glaucoma. It is carried out using a small laser to free the clogged channels in the trabecular.
Filtering Surgery
This surgery type known as trabeculectomy is done to make an opening in the sclera and remove the affected tissues in the trabecular meshwork.
Your eyes are your light in the world, taking good care of them will save you from ailments like Glaucoma.
