Glaucoma affects more than 3 million people in the United States, and the National Eye Institute forecasts that by 2030 that figure would have risen by 58% to 4.2 million. Glaucoma is usually so undetectable that many people are unaware they have it. What is glaucoma, and why is it important to know about it?
Glaucoma has a reputation for being a “sneaky thief of sight” because there are no apparent symptoms, and people might lose a part of their eyesight seemingly out of nowhere. Worse, that lost vision is now permanently gone, and patients are completely unaware since they believe they have been healthy for as long as they can remember.
The term “glaucoma” is a general term for a class of eye illnesses that gradually weaken or steal eyesight without the patient’s knowledge. The majority of glaucoma sufferers are in their forties and fifties, although the disease can strike anyone at any age. Glaucoma causes vision loss by damaging the optic nerve, which serves as a medium or channel for your eyes to deliver data to your brain. When this channel is irrevocably destroyed, the patient will experience partial or complete blindness.
The increase in intraocular pressure causes both primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (pressure inside the eye). Normal tension glaucoma is a condition in which there is vision loss, but the pressure inside the eye is normal. Glaucoma produced by another disease or sickness is known as secondary glaucoma. This type of glaucoma occurs when a rise in intraocular pressure occurs, causing optic nerve injury and visual loss.
Glaucoma is the world’s second-biggest cause of blindness according to the World Health Organization. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for glaucoma, although there are medications and surgeries that can help halt or prevent further vision loss. However, for these treatments to be effective, early detection and diagnosis are essential. That is why everyone should have their eyes examined regularly! The best method to protect your eyes from glaucoma is to have comprehensive eye exams on a regular basis while practicing a lifestyle that is beneficial for your eyes and mind.
Are you suffering from dry eyes? Why not try a pair of scleral lenses? Insight Vision Center Optometry is a family-oriented practice composed of a team of certified, licensed and experienced eye doctors, professionals and staff. We have made it our goal to assist each and every one of our patients in achieving better optical care, from childhood up to their golden years. We are persistent in keeping up with the latest medical breakthroughs and relentless in our training to deliver world-class eyecare and custom vision solutions.
For any inquiries, you can reach us at (714) 486-3315 or fill out our contact form to request an estimate. We proudly serve clients and patients in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, CA.
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