icon'/> Did You Know?: Did You Know What is Glaucoma?

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Did You Know What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can steal sight without warning or symptoms. Over three million Americans have it. Only half know.

What causes glaucoma?

The eye constantly produces aqueous, the clear fluid that fills the anterior chamber (the space between the cornea and iris). The aqueous filters out of the anterior chamber through a complex drainage system. The delicate balance between the production and drainage of aqueous determines the eye’s intraocular pressure (IOP). Most people’s IOPs fall between 8 and 21. However, some eyes can tolerate higher pressures than others. That’s why it may be normal for one person to have a higher pressure than another.

Glaucoma Treatments

Depending on the severity, treatment can involve glaucoma surgery, lasers, or medication. Eye drops with medication aimed at lowering IOP usually are tried first to control glaucoma.

Because glaucoma is often painless, people may become careless about strict use of eye drops that can control eye pressure and help prevent permanent eye damage. In fact, non-compliance with a program of prescribed glaucoma medication is a major reason for blindness resulting from glaucoma. >> learn more

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