GLAUCOMA – SILENT SIGHT KILLER
Easily steals away the eye sight without any warning sign or signal
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by increased intraocular pressure which causes damage to the eye (optic) nerve and could lead to total irreversible blindness. Intraocular pressure increases when either too much fluid is produced in the eye or the drainage or outflow channels of the eye become blocked. There are two main types of glaucoma, open angle and closed angle glaucoma. The angle refers to the area between the iris and cornea, through which fluid must flow to escape via the trabecular meshwork. The disease generally affects both eyes, although one may have more severe signs and symptoms than the other.
1. The Silent Thief
Glaucoma is said to be a silent thief of sight because it usually shows up with no symptoms at its early stages. Closed-angle glaucoma can appear suddenly and is often painful; visual loss can progress quickly, but the discomfort often leads patients to seek medical attention before permanent damage occurs. Open-angle, chronic glaucoma tends to progress at a slower rate until the disease has progressed significantly and extensive damage done to the eye.
2. Recommended Preventive Care
It is therefore highly recommended that if you are over the age of 40 and if there is a history of glaucoma in your family, you should have your eyes routinely examined by an ophthalmologist every one to two years. Report to your doctor any experience with painless ocular pressure in the eyes or other discomfort. Use mineral supplements and vitamins to help improve the eye’s health.