Glaucoma, how to prevent blindness?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that is one of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world, although what many people do not know is that glaucoma can be avoidable. Going to the ophthalmologist for eye exams, at least once a year, is very important after a certain age to detect glaucoma early, especially if there is a family history.
Glaucoma, what it is and how it develops
Glaucoma is caused by an increase in blood pressure that damages the optic nerve and causes a progressive loss of vision. Specifically, it goes from a peripheral vision to a very reduced vision, so that the person has the sensation of seeing through a tube.
In most cases, this visual alteration occurs gradually and painlessly, so many patients do not detect it until it is irreversible. Hence the importance of attending periodic reviews with the specialist.
Type of glaucoma and symptoms
There are two types of glaucoma and their symptoms vary in each case.
1. Chronic glaucoma It is the most frequent form and the one that is asymptomatic until reaching an advanced level that is when the loss of vision occurs.
2. Acute glaucoma, which is much less frequent, is characterized by a sudden intense pain that surrounds the eye while decreasing vision. In some cases it may be accompanied by headache, nausea and vomiting.
Treatments for glaucoma, avoid blindness
The current treatments range from the use of drops, to the use of lasers that allow the reduction of intraocular pressure and surgery, which as a last step consists in expanding the exit area of the intraocular fluid through the creation of a valve. escape or by implanting an artificial drain valve.
Advice: Ophthalmology Service of La Milagrosa Hospital, Madrid.
