by Melissa Chichester
Many people think of glaucoma as something that only happens to older adults; however, that is a myth. People of all ages can get glaucoma, even though it is most common in adults over 60. According to the Mayo Clinic, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in senior adults.
The National Eye Institute defines glaucoma as: “a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness.” They also note that certain groups are at higher risk for developing glaucoma, including African Americans over age 40, everyone over the age of 60, Mexican Americans, and people with a family history of glaucoma. Damage is typically caused by high amounts of pressure in the eye. Blood pressure changes might be a contributor to glaucoma.
The signs and symptoms of glaucoma depend on how advanced the disease is. This includes:
Glaucoma often doesn’t display symptoms. It is important to note that these signs and symptoms could be a signal of an underlying problem that is glaucoma. If you are experiencing any of the above, it is necessary to seek guidance from a licensed healthcare professional.
There are several tests that look for glaucoma, including:
There is no cure for glaucoma, and vision cannot be restored once it is lost.. Glaucoma can be managed with the help of a physician who will prescribe the proper treatment based on the condition of your eye. Treatment may include eye drops, surgery, and medication.
If you receive a glaucoma diagnosis, it is likely that you will have questions. A glaucoma diagnosis might be unsettling and cause distress. Having questions prepared in advance will help you come up with a treatment plan with your eye doctor. Here are five questions that you can ask a professional:
By effectively communicating with your physician, you can make the best of a glaucoma diagnosis. It is important to be prepared for what may come next when you are going through glaucoma treatment.
