Facts About Glaucoma San Antonio Residents Need To Know

By Marlene Blevins


Glaucoma disease is a collection of visual infections that destroy the optic nerves hence resulting to total vision loss. It might not be discovered until when it reaches advanced levels as vision impairment continues. The disease is one of the major causes of vision impairment in various parts of the world, mostly in US. However, prior to treating glaucoma San Antonio residents should first know some facts about the condition.

The cause of the disease can be attributed to the buildup of intraocular pressure from aqueous humor. This fluid is supposed to flow in and out of the eye. It normally exits the eye via the drainage system at the point where the cornea and the iris meet. The ineffective performance of the drainage in this case does not allow normal fluid filtration thus resulting to the accumulation of the fluid and creating pressure in the eye.

The condition is classified into various forms; primary for the type whose source is unknown or secondary in-case the source of the infection is known. Mostly occurring is the primary open-angle type whose signs are generally not easily noticeable except the steady loss of vision. A symptom such as peripheral vision loss affects both eyes at severe stages.

Angle-closure glaucoma has completely different symptoms. The infected person mostly feels pain in the eyes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The patient also experiences sudden onset of visual disturbance especially in low light. There is also blurred vision due to reddening of the eye and halos around lights. Other rare types of the disease are pigmentary, developmental and normal-tension glaucoma.

The disease can be troublesome, but with sufficient management its progression can be reduced hence lowering its adverse effects. Diagnosis and treatment at early stage is thus important to prevent or minimize destruction of the optic nerve and check vision problems of glaucoma. Conventional eye examination is thus important for patients to ensure intraocular pressure checkup.

The treatment of the disease begins with the regular and complete eye examination for all adults above 40 years old. It can be done in periods ranging from 3-5 years, for persons without the signs of the illness. Screening is also necessary within a two years interval for people showing signs of glaucoma or those over sixty years of age.

Intraocular pressure, contrast sensitivity and visual fields are additional steps that constitute part of the standard care of the infection. They are therefore very vital for one to successfully manage the disease. Patients should provide full information to the physician in order to necessitate full treatment.

Occupation therapists may also help the infected persons by advancing lighting systems in their residential areas or recommending suitable equipment for use. They can also train the patients on the use of the adopted equipments. Lighthouse International or American foundation for the blind are institutions that provide sufficient resources to patients adapting loss of vision. San Antonio TX physicians will normally refer you to them when necessary.

Sharing of information regularly between the physician and the patient on the condition is always advised as it enables the physician to know the right treatment method to be used. It is also essential for one to be well informed in making healthy decisions that enhance the management of glaucoma. This will help in prevention of new infections.




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