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What is Glaucoma? |
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Glaucoma is typically characterized by abnormally elevated eye pressure which irreversibly damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries the images we see from the light sensing retina at the back of the eye to the brain.
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Who gets Glaucoma? |
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This disease affects all races but develops more frequently in people of afro-american descent. Other important risk factors for the development of glaucoma include positive family history, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
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Diagnosis |
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Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent loss of vision. Since most forms of glaucoma do not cause pain or early loss of central vision, patients may remain asymptomatic until advanced stages of the disease. Glaucoma is diagnosed by examining the intraocular pressure, optic nerve health, and integrity of the visual field. Normal intraocular pressure ranges from 8mm Hg to 21mm Hg. Routine eye care is therefore imperative in early detection and treatment of glaucoma.
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Treatment |
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When a diagnosis of glaucoma is made, most patients are started on medication to lower the intraocular pressure. If one is not sufficient, additional medications may be added. When topical medication is not effective or the patient is physically or cognitively unable to administer drops, the next step is laser treatment (Argon laser trabeculoplasty). This procedure increases fluid outflow from the eye by thermally changing the configuration of the trabecular meshwork. Finally, if these attempts do not lower intraocular pressure to a safe level, a surgical procedure called trabeculectomy can be performed. The trabeculectomy procedure opens another channel for fluid to flow out through the sclera and under the conjunctiva reducing the intraocular pressure.
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Related Links: |
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Glaucoma Research Foundation |
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The Glaucoma Foundation |
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National Eye Institute |
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