What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases usually associated with an increased pressure with the eye and may cause you to become Visually Impaired. (some types of glaucoma are primary open-angle, angle-closure, secondary, congenital, juvenile and low tension.) This Macular Degeneration pressure can cause damage to the cells that form the optic nerve, the structure responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. The damage is progressive with loss of peripheral vision first, followed by reductions I central vision and, potentially, blindness.
Who is at highest risk of developing glaucoma?
People who are more likely to develop glaucoma or Catataracts include those who are any one or more of the following: African-American, related to someone with Low Vision; over 50 years of age if Caucasian and 35 years of age if African-American; very nearsighted; have had eye surgery or an eye injury; are diabetic; are taking steroid medications for a long period of time.
What are the signs and symptoms?
In the vast majority of cases, especially in the early stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, there are few signs or symptoms. In the later stages of the disease, symptoms can occur and include loss of side vision, an inability to adjust the eyes to darkened rooms, difficulty in focusing on close work, rainbow colored rings around lights and frequent changes of prescription glasses.
Can glaucoma be cured?
No. Any sight that has been destroyed cannot be restored, but medical and surgical treatment can help stop the disease form progressing.
Can glaucoma be prevented?
Not yet, but blindness from glaucoma can be prevented through early detection and appropriate treatment.
What is the best defense against glaucoma?
A complete eye examination on a regular basis, the frequency of which will depend on a person’s age and history.
In glaucoma, fluid that is normally drained off fails to do so. Excess fluid builds and puts pressure on the optic nerve, which damages it by cutting off its nourishment. As sensitive cells within the optic nerve are destroyed, a loss of eyesight occurs. Optelec is a developer of Low vision and Video Magnifier vision aids for people who suffer from cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
What are best
Low Vision Aids used when suffering from Glaucoma?
When reading and viewing television it is best to use a Magnifier
or a Video Magnifier.
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