katyzzzGlaucoma and working
December 4th 2006 14:14
Glaucoma and working :
Glaucoma is an eye disorder caused by increased pressure within the eyeball, the result of fluids that are unable to drain normally.
Cause :
Although glaucoma is understood to be a problem with the fluid-regulating mechanism of the eye, its precise cause is unknown. In the healthy eye, aqueous fluid in the anterior chamber of the eyeball (between the lens and the cornea) is under a slight degree of pressure. If the delicate fluid balance changes, internal pressure rises in the eye. This buildup produces damage to the sensitive structures and nerve endings within the eye.
Forms of Glaucoma :
Depending on the type of defect in the fluid-regulating system, one of two primary forms of glaucoma results. Chronic, or open angle, glaucoma develops when pressure increases gradually, and normal fluid drainage slows but is not obstructed at the drainage angle (the network of tissue between the iris and the cornea, through which fluid can normally pass). Acute, or closed angle, glaucoma occurs when pressure mounts suddenly and forces the iris into contact with the cornea, thereby blocking fluid drainage from the anterior chamber of the eye.
Those at Risk :
Glaucoma occurs more commonly in adults over 40 years of age. Statistics indicate that people with a family history of glaucoma have a greater risk of acquiring the condition. Some evidence suggests that glaucoma may be linked to long-term use of various medications, especially steroids, which can alter body fluid levels. Glaucoma can also follow other eye disorders, such as infections and cataracts.
Symptoms :
Chronic glaucoma begins with no noticeable symptoms. Vision deterioration is so gradual and painless that this form of glaucoma has been termed the "sneak thief of sight." Sometimes, loss of peripheral vision slowly progresses as central vision remains normal. As the disorder advances, other symptoms (which can be intermittent or constant) include foggy or blurred vision, difficulty in adjusting to brightness and darkness, and slight pain in or around the eye, usually on one side.
The one symptom indicative of chronic glaucoma is the perception of a faint white circle, or halo, surrounding a light, which is most easily visible when looking at a distant light while in the dark.
Acute glaucoma brings sudden and severe symptoms of extreme eye pain and abrupt vision blurring. Frequently, the pain can be so intense that it causes nausea and vomiting. Fortunately, acute glaucoma is rare, but when it does occur, medical attention is needed immediately to prevent permanent blindness. Usually, however, the symptoms are so severe that medical help is sought promptly.
Diagnosis :
If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to partial or complete vision loss. However, if diagnosed early, treatment can usually halt the process. Because chronic glaucoma has no warning signs, it is particularly important that people over the age of 40 be tested for glaucoma every two or three years. In addition, physicians recommend that people with a family history of the disease be screened every year beginning even before the age of 40.
Glaucoma testing is a relatively simple office procedure. The doctor uses a special device called a tonometer to measure the amount of pressure within the eyeball.
The doctor also inspects the interior of the eye through an instrument that allows a view of the angle where the iris and the cornea meet. This part of the examination shows whether there is blockage in the drainage system or damage to the optic nerve. The doctor also tests peripheral vision by measuring the point at which objects can be seen in the patient's field of vision.
Treatment :
Glaucoma treatment is usually effective if started early in the course of the disease. Oral drugs work by decreasing production of eye fluid, while daily applications of eyedrops promote fluid drainage. Because some medications cause constriction of the pupils of the eyes, which can be misconstrued as a symptom of drug overdose, many glaucoma patients carry an identification card that describes their medical history in case of medical emergency.
Beta-blocker eyedrops reduce production of eye fluid without altering the size of the pupil. However, beta-blockers can affect the heart rate and cause narrowing of the breathing passages, which may make these drugs unsuitable for patients with heart or respiratory disease. Other antiglaucoma medications are also available.
Although chronic glaucoma responds to medication, some patients require surgery to open new pathways for fluid drainage. Laser therapy is a relatively new surgical technique under investigation. The laser uses an intense light beam to slightly modify tissues in the region in order to allow better fluid drainage.
Prevention :
The best way to prevent serious complications of glaucoma is to undergo periodic screening for early diagnosis.
Glaucoma is an eye disorder caused by increased pressure within the eyeball, the result of fluids that are unable to drain normally.
Cause :
Although glaucoma is understood to be a problem with the fluid-regulating mechanism of the eye, its precise cause is unknown. In the healthy eye, aqueous fluid in the anterior chamber of the eyeball (between the lens and the cornea) is under a slight degree of pressure. If the delicate fluid balance changes, internal pressure rises in the eye. This buildup produces damage to the sensitive structures and nerve endings within the eye.
Forms of Glaucoma :
Depending on the type of defect in the fluid-regulating system, one of two primary forms of glaucoma results. Chronic, or open angle, glaucoma develops when pressure increases gradually, and normal fluid drainage slows but is not obstructed at the drainage angle (the network of tissue between the iris and the cornea, through which fluid can normally pass). Acute, or closed angle, glaucoma occurs when pressure mounts suddenly and forces the iris into contact with the cornea, thereby blocking fluid drainage from the anterior chamber of the eye.
Those at Risk :
Glaucoma occurs more commonly in adults over 40 years of age. Statistics indicate that people with a family history of glaucoma have a greater risk of acquiring the condition. Some evidence suggests that glaucoma may be linked to long-term use of various medications, especially steroids, which can alter body fluid levels. Glaucoma can also follow other eye disorders, such as infections and cataracts.
Symptoms :
Chronic glaucoma begins with no noticeable symptoms. Vision deterioration is so gradual and painless that this form of glaucoma has been termed the "sneak thief of sight." Sometimes, loss of peripheral vision slowly progresses as central vision remains normal. As the disorder advances, other symptoms (which can be intermittent or constant) include foggy or blurred vision, difficulty in adjusting to brightness and darkness, and slight pain in or around the eye, usually on one side.
The one symptom indicative of chronic glaucoma is the perception of a faint white circle, or halo, surrounding a light, which is most easily visible when looking at a distant light while in the dark.
Acute glaucoma brings sudden and severe symptoms of extreme eye pain and abrupt vision blurring. Frequently, the pain can be so intense that it causes nausea and vomiting. Fortunately, acute glaucoma is rare, but when it does occur, medical attention is needed immediately to prevent permanent blindness. Usually, however, the symptoms are so severe that medical help is sought promptly.
Diagnosis :
If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to partial or complete vision loss. However, if diagnosed early, treatment can usually halt the process. Because chronic glaucoma has no warning signs, it is particularly important that people over the age of 40 be tested for glaucoma every two or three years. In addition, physicians recommend that people with a family history of the disease be screened every year beginning even before the age of 40.
Glaucoma testing is a relatively simple office procedure. The doctor uses a special device called a tonometer to measure the amount of pressure within the eyeball.
The doctor also inspects the interior of the eye through an instrument that allows a view of the angle where the iris and the cornea meet. This part of the examination shows whether there is blockage in the drainage system or damage to the optic nerve. The doctor also tests peripheral vision by measuring the point at which objects can be seen in the patient's field of vision.
Treatment :
Glaucoma treatment is usually effective if started early in the course of the disease. Oral drugs work by decreasing production of eye fluid, while daily applications of eyedrops promote fluid drainage. Because some medications cause constriction of the pupils of the eyes, which can be misconstrued as a symptom of drug overdose, many glaucoma patients carry an identification card that describes their medical history in case of medical emergency.
Beta-blocker eyedrops reduce production of eye fluid without altering the size of the pupil. However, beta-blockers can affect the heart rate and cause narrowing of the breathing passages, which may make these drugs unsuitable for patients with heart or respiratory disease. Other antiglaucoma medications are also available.
Although chronic glaucoma responds to medication, some patients require surgery to open new pathways for fluid drainage. Laser therapy is a relatively new surgical technique under investigation. The laser uses an intense light beam to slightly modify tissues in the region in order to allow better fluid drainage.
Prevention :
The best way to prevent serious complications of glaucoma is to undergo periodic screening for early diagnosis.
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