GLAUCOMAGlaucoma is another of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, perhaps accounting for one in every seven or eight cases. In this condition, the transparent fluid inside the forward part of the eye does not drain normally, and excess pressure is built up within the eye. If the pressure is not controlled, the delicate structure of the eye is increasingly damaged, resulting in blurred vision, a narrowed field of sight, and eventually total blindness. Symptoms may include intermittent blurred vision, nausea, inability to adjust eyes to darkened rooms, seeing colored halos around lights, and reduced side vision. The causes of glaucoma are not fully understood. Some cases are hereditary, while other arise as complications of other eye disorders. Glaucoma, not a contagious condition, is most common after the age of thirty-five. The acute type of glaucoma appears as a sudden attack, characterized by great pain and discomfort as the eye pressure rises quickly from blockage of drainage canals. Such an episode can damage the eyes severely in a short time. More common however, is the chronic type in which there is no pain and in which the damage to vision is so slow that it may not be noticed by the patient for a long time. Many cases are controlled by medication which relaxes and unblocks the
drainage channels for the eye fluid. Sometimes surgery is necessary. In
many cases, although not all, modern medical treatment can control the
disease completely. As with other eye conditions, early detection and
treatment to stop the progress of the disorder are important. Many sources
recommend an eye examination every two or three years, especially for
those over thirty-five. |