Eye Diseases & Care

Glaucoma: 50% cases without diagnose

Glaucoma is a degenerative disease, considered as the main cause of vision loss from age 40. A disease that can and should be prevented, however, to pursue pain sometimes, not always pay due attention to early symptoms and warning us that something is wrong.

glaucoma

A simple test can diagnose, just a few minutes, if symptoms such as increased abnormal intraocular pressure, respond to glaucoma, a disease of the optic nerve. When elevated levels are not treated and maintained over time, can lead to severe optic nerve damage and loss of ability to transmit images to the brain (blindness).

We are facing a degenerative eye disease, the symptoms, if left untreated, can cause vision loss and blindness. Symptoms that, to be able to attend without pain, do not pay due attention. This, according to the World Health Organization, WHO, means that approximately 50% of patients with glaucoma do not have a diagnosis. A condition for which are more vulnerable people with diabetes or myopia. Age is also a risk factor, especially from the 50, but can occur at any age, including childhood (genetic predisposition).

Prevention by knows the risk situations and carry out periodic reviews of the eyes. As opticians, optometrists say, with a simple test that involves measuring eye strain can know if there is risk of glaucoma. If the results confirm the diagnosis, the optical refer the patient to an ophthalmologist for testing more precise and, from there, prescribe appropriate treatment.

As experts explain, there are several types of glaucoma, the most common being the simple chronic and acute. In the first case, the disease causes no pain and no outward symptoms, so the patient may be having vision problems without knowing why. In these cases, there is a progressive loss of visual field, until the patient is only able to perceive images through the central region.

On the other hand, acute glaucoma does include pain among its symptoms, in particular, both sudden and very intense, localized pain inside and in the vicinity of the eye. Acute glaucoma can cause sudden blindness and come with nausea or vomiting. In this case, it requires emergency care.

As we have noted, glaucoma can appear among the smallest, including babies. This happens due to genetic predisposition. In this case, as explained by experts, there are a number of symptoms or signs that may signal the presence or risk of glaucoma in the baby. Signs such as increased sensitivity to light (baby close his eyes), tearing, discoloration or increased eye. In case you notice any of these symptoms, you are advised to immediately consult a pediatrician and the ophthalmologist to confirm or rule out a risk of glaucoma.

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