Glaucoma is a painless but severe disease that can damage your optic nerve. It is mainly caused by excessive eye pressure. The condition can cause blindness, especially if it is not treated early.
Most of the symptoms of glaucoma hardly manifest till the last stages. It is often painless, meaning you may not notice any changes in your vision. So, it is best to visit your optometrist more often, for they can catch the signs even at the early stages.
There is no one leading cause of glaucoma. One of the reasons could be the optic nerve getting compressed due to high pressure in the eye. Also, reduced blood flow to the eye can result in glaucoma. Therefore, even high blood pressure might be a contributing factor since it affects the blood circulation rate.
Other causes of high pressure within the eye include:
Eye drops used to dilate the pupil
Blocked drainage in your eye
Prescriptions, such as corticosteroids
Poor blood flow to your eyes
Most of the signs of glaucoma depend on the stage of the disease. However, here are some of the main ones:
Eye pain in the late stages
Blurred vision
Persistent headache
Nausea
Blind spots in your central vision
Difficulty in recognizing faces and words, especially in poor lighting
Eye redness
Note that glaucoma could lead to permanent visual impairment if it is left untreated. So, visit your doctor once you suspect any signs.
You can prevent vision loss from glaucoma using the following measures:
Be sure to maintain a balanced diet to protect your eyes by including colored fruits, green vegetables, and berries into your diet. These foods contain minerals and vitamins required to improve your visual alertness as well as prevent glaucoma.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma. You need to exercise regularly to maintain the blood pressure but avoid heavy exercises that can raise your heart rate. You can use a qualified trainer to guide you on the correct activities.
Any pressure to the eye, such as an injury, could lead to glaucoma. You can wear protective glasses when working in your yard or when doing heavy exercises.
Keeping in mind that most glaucoma signs are hardly noticed, you need to regularly visit your doctor, especially if you are at high risk. Some of the high-risk factors include age above 50 years, family history, and high blood pressure conditions.
There are chances that extreme exposure to sunlight could lead to glaucoma. Be sure to wear a hat or sunglasses whenever you explore the outdoors.
Learn more about signs & preventative care for glaucoma, contact Family Eye Clinic in Midlothian, TX at (972) 775-8000 to schedule an appointment.