World Glaucoma Day was commemorated on 11 March, that explain why this disease is still the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
Questions like what is glaucoma, which is the normal pressure, as I realize that I have glaucoma, diagnosed as glaucoma and others, will be explained here.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease, which is the liquid that forms in the anterior of the eye (ie, between the lens and cornea) is blocked in their exit routes, and Thus an increase in eye pressure.
increased intraocular pressure causes damage to the optic nerve with loss of fibers that form (neurons), with the consequent impairment of vision.
As neurons do not regenerate once they die, the damage is irreversible.
pressure What is normal?
Normal values \u200b\u200bare between 10 and 21 mmHg, although a given pressure may be normal for a person high for another.
pressure intraocular variations during the day, with a maximum around 6 am
Remember that having a wedge between the "normal" not exclude the possibility of having glaucoma.
How can I tell if I have glaucoma?
glaucoma shows no symptoms. In other words, the person feels no pain and when we perceive a loss of vision from glaucoma is that we are facing a very advanced glaucoma.
It is therefore very important to use regular eye checks (annual) then 40 years, since it is more common at this age. It is called "the creeping thief of sight."
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
The diagnosis of glaucoma is based on: the fundus, making eye pressure and visual field. The most important is the fundus. The visual field is important for diagnosis and for monitoring the patient.
How it affects my vision in glaucoma?
Glaucoma affects peripheral vision first, and therefore not is noted at the outset. Then, continues to affect the view from the periphery to the center gradually until the total loss of vision, if the patient is not diagnosed and treated early.
What people are more likely to have glaucoma?
Those who have relatives (parents or siblings) who have the disease. Also, diabetic patients, myopic, those taking corticosteroids (eg prednisone) or put eye drops with steroids (eg dexamethasone)
Glaucoma is more common in black patients after the 40 años.
¿CĂłmo se trata el glaucoma?
El tratamiento consiste en la instilaciĂłn de colirios en los ojos, aunque sino es suficiente se deberá recurrir a la cirugĂa. El tratamiento es de por vida.
¿QuĂ© efectos secundarios puedo tener con el tratamiento?
Todas las drogas pueden producir alergias a nivel ocular. Algunas drogas como el Timolol pueden tener efectos sobre el ritmo cardĂaco y dar broncoespasmo, por lo que el mĂ©dico antes de indicarlas deberá preguntar al paciente si padece asma o alguna afecciĂłn cardĂaca. Other effects may be lengthening of the eyelashes, iris color changes and red eye.