"Glaucoma"
describes a whole group of diseases affecting the eye, but
all share the common fact that they cause the pressure within
the eye (the intraocular pressure) to be at unhealthy levels
for the affected person. Because many different types of
glaucoma exist, treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma
as well as a variety of other factors.
No matter whether the pressure is high,
normal or below normal, it can still cause damage. Most
types of glaucoma are chronic, and are present for the person's
lifetime. Some types of glaucoma occur suddenly, but most
develop slowly, over months or years.
Since the level of intraocular pressure
does not indicate with certainty whether or not glaucoma
is present, how can an accurate diagnosis be made? The answer
is: "A diagnosis of glaucoma is made by detecting the
presence of ocular tissue damage related to intraocular
pressure."
Most types of glaucoma need some form of
treatment. Some people need surgery. Others may need medicine
to treat the eye directly, or to treat some other health
problem that is affecting the eye. Still others may need
to have certain medicines stopped.
Appropriate treatment for glaucoma will
prevent loss of sight in the majority of patients whose
condition is detected early.
More information:
|
Healthy optic nerve
Early signs of optic nerve damage
Severe damage to the optic nerve
Illustrations Copyright
2003 Tim Peters and Company, Inc. Peapack NJ 07977 USA.
All Rights Reserved. www.timpetersandcompany.com
|
