90% of cases could be avoided with early detection
It is assumed that there are There are 6.7 million cases of blindness due to glaucoma worldwide.the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. However this This can be avoided in 90% of cases. with early detection, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece.
One of the main problems is that It usually does not show obvious symptoms until it reaches advanced stages.therefore, if you do not periodically check your vision, it may be too late to avoid the consequences.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects more than 3% of the populationaccording to the Spanish Glaucoma Society.
This usually affects people over 40 years old and it is, along with diabetes, the leading preventable cause of blindness in Spain.
This happens when optic nervewhich is responsible for sending information from the eye to the brain, getting worse. In many cases, this is due to an obstruction or blockage in the eye’s drainage system, which leads to a buildup of aqueous humor (fluid inside the eye) and increased intraocular pressure.
This increased intraocular pressure which can damage the optic nerve, causing progressive vision loss. However, in some cases, damage to the optic nerve occurs in people with normal intraocular pressure.
Symptoms of glaucoma
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In most cases of glaucoma Vision loss occurs gradually and does not cause discomfort or symptoms. At first, many people do not realize this until the disease reaches an advanced stage.
Later, The first thing this affects is your peripheral or side vision.that is, what we see out of the corner of our eyes. People suffering from this have what is known as “tunnel vision”
In some cases, this may cause more obvious symptoms such as:
- Blurred vision.
- Pain in the eyes.
- Colored halos, especially around bright light sources.
- Headache.
- Nausea, vomiting, or unsteadiness.
In the most severe cases, glaucoma causes sudden loss of vision.
Factors that increase the risk of glaucoma
Although this can happen to anyone, there are some Factors that may increase your risk of developing glaucomaHow:
- Have family history diseases.
- Have high myopia.
- have cardiovascular diseases.
- You have diabetes or hypertension. The connection between these diseases and glaucoma is not clear, but there are studies that suggest they increase the risk.
- The presence of autoimmune diseases is also associated with some types of glaucoma.
On the other hand, glaucoma that occurs without high intraocular pressure appears to be associated with migraines, low blood pressure (especially diastolic, low blood pressure), poor circulation, or vasoconstriction.
Moreover, people with sleep apnea they could have faster progression of glaucomaAccording to a study by the Institute of Biomedical Research of Lleida,
For people with any of the risk factors we mentioned, periodic eye exams are even more necessary.
Vision testing is important
We usually associate glaucoma with older people, but the truth is that it is a disease may begin to develop at age 40 without any symptoms.
That’s why ophthalmological examination is mandatorysince in 90% of cases, serious and irreversible consequences, such as loss of vision, can be avoided if this disease is detected in time.
In this sense, periodic visits to an ophthalmologist to monitor intraocular pressure from age 40 are key. The frequency of examinations will be determined by a specialist, taking into account risk factors and the person’s health status.
Tomographs – devices that study the optic nerve and the retinal nerve fiber layer. Currently, the methods available in ophthalmology centers are very effective and allow early detection of optic nerve damage.
Except, through genetic research You can find out if a person is at risk of developing glaucoma and what type.
Glaucoma treatment
Once glaucoma is diagnosed, the goal of lowering intraocular pressure will be to either increase drainage from the eye or reduce aqueous humor production.
In each specific case, the specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment:
- eye drops They help lower blood pressure and can be used 2 to 3 times a day as prescribed by a specialist.
- Antihypertensive drugs that are injected inside the eyeball.
- A laser treatment to reduce pressure and promote drainage.
- valve microimplants which help filter aqueous moisture.
Good habits against glaucoma
In addition to medical treatment, follow some healthy habits may help avoid complications of glaucoma. This includes quitting smoking, do exercises regularly and eat a healthy and balanced diet.
In this sense Mediterranean diet This is very appropriate. Natural antioxidants, vitamins, magnesium and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for combating the oxidative effect of glaucoma.