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Glaucoma Awareness Month

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During January, Glaucoma Awareness Month brings attention to the disease that steals eyesight and emphasizes the importance of routine eye exams. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, more than 80 million people throughout the world have glaucoma and 4.5 million are blind from it. Many people don't know they have glaucoma until the pressure within their eye has permanently damaged the optic nerve and their vision is 40% gone. This can occur in one or both eyes. The National Eye Institute and glaucoma.org define the types of glaucoma as primary, which occurs from an issue within the eye, and secondary, which is caused by another medical condition or injury.


Primary glaucomas include open-angle, normal-tension, angle-closure (also called narrow angle), and congenital. Open-angle glaucoma, which affects 90% of patients, develops when the fluid within the eye doesn't drain quickly enough and the resulting pressure increase damages the optic nerve at the back of the eye. Eventually, this leads to vision loss and potentially blindness. Normal-tension glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve without pressure increases within the eye. In angle-closure glaucoma the colorful iris blocks fluid drainage from the front of the eye and leads to severe pain, nausea, and blurry vision. The sudden rise in pressure can cause blindness within days of onset. Congenital glaucoma is rare and happens when babies are born with improper fluid drainage within the eye.


Secondary glaucomas include neovascular (too many blood vessels block the fluid drainage), pigmentary (flakes from the iris prevent drainage), exfoliation (drainage is altered by a buildup of material from the lens), uveitic (caused by swelling and inflammation in the eye), and traumatic (from a blunt or penetrating eye injury).


The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports glaucoma can't be reversed or cured, but it can be treated. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of glaucoma. This is especially important for people with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of glaucoma, being near or farsighted, or a past eye injury. The American Optometric Association lists the treatment options as medications, surgery, and drainage implants. The treatment plan depends on the type of glaucoma that is causing damage.


A visual depiction of what glaucoma does to your vision is available through the American Optometric Association. Illustrated diagrams and videos showing the structures within the eye can be found on the American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Other important information includes how certain medications can affect glaucoma—such as those for asthma, COPD, overactive bladder, stomach issues, muscle spasms, depression, allergies, nausea, anxiety, cold medications, and steroids—and can be located on the BrightFocus Foundation website. Please inform your doctors and healthcare providers about all the medications you take.


While not curable at this time, glaucoma is a treatable condition. Follow your treatment plan and get your screening exams done to protect your eyesight.


For additional health related information about promoting wellness for your body, mind, and soul please visit nurtureyourwholeself.com.



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