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Glaucoma FAQ Answered

Glaucoma is a disease that affects the eyes that can lead to a number of different issues that might have to be dealt with in a myriad of different ways. Glaucoma is increasingly common among the elderly community. As you age, you may have a number of questions directly related to glaucoma and the likelihood of you experiencing glaucoma.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Your eye is full of fluids. One of the main areas of your eye that contains a number of clear fluids is the anterior chamber, it is located towards the front of the eye. This fluid is essential for maintaining a healthy eye. It coats and bathes the tissues of the eye, making sure that the eye is nourished with any vitamins, nutrients and lubricant that it so desperately needs.

However, this fluid must be drained. The body will naturally excrete this fluid (which is why you may wake up in the morning with "eye crust" or find that you have woken up with tears in your eyes). However, as you age, occasionally the body will find it more difficult to excrete this fluid. This fluid can build up in the anterior chamber and cause a significant amount of pressure behind the eye. This pressure that builds up in the anterior chamber can cause optic nerve damage, which is what is generally referred to as glaucoma.

How Many Types Of Glaucoma Are There?

There are a number of different variations of glaucoma that exist. Normal tension, closed angle, congenital, narrow angle, secondary and pigmentary are all forms of glaucoma that are relatively common. However, the type of glaucoma that is, by far and away, the most common that exists in most people (especially the elderly) is primary open angle glaucoma.

Will I Go Blind?

This is the question that is on the mind of most people regarding glaucoma.  Glaucoma is one of the leading factors that contribute to blindness. It is important to be on the lookout for signs of glaucoma, such as a feeling of "pressure" behind the eyes, so you can be treated as soon as possible, as any vision loss that glaucoma is responsible for cannot be reversed.

How Will My Glaucoma Be Treated?

Glaucoma can be treated with non-invasive techniques. Usually, medicated eye drops are prescribed to patients that encourage the muscles in the anterior chamber to relax and allow built up fluid to flow out more effectively.

It is important that if you notice yourself experiencing any symptoms of glaucoma, you see an optometrist right away. Glaucoma can be a difficult disease to live with, but with the right help, and if detected early, it is a disease that you can deal with. For additional info, meet with your eye doctor.   


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