Glaucoma
Glaucoma may be difficult to spot early on without the help of an Ophthalmologist, however if not treated, the condition will get worse and can cause a loss of peripheral vision (side vision). This can further develop into tunnel vision, which means you’re only able to see straight ahead but have a loss of peripheral vision in all directions. Eventually, total loss of vision can occur.
Symptoms:
Glaucoma can present itself in the form of:
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Clouded vision.
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Severe pain in your affected eye.
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Severe headache in the area around your eye.
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Feeling nauseous.
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Vomiting
Causes:
Glaucoma is primarily caused by high pressure inside the eye. The pressure is raised because fluid (aqueous humor) within the eye cannot escape through the normal drainage system. The increased pressure can cause damage to the nerves of the eye, which can result in your loss of vision.
Two Main Types of Glaucoma:
Open Angle Glaucoma
This is a chronic condition that causes the pressure inside the eye to rise slowly. This is the most common type of glaucoma, and it often causes no symptoms until later in the disease.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
The pressure inside the eye rises suddenly to a very high level, which causes severe pain and requires treatment right away.
Circumstances that may increase one’s risk for Glaucoma include people who:
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Are older than 40 years of age.
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Are of African-American descent.
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Have high blood pressure or diabetes.
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Have a family history of glaucoma.
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Have a previous eye injury or recent eye surgery.
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Are far-sighted.
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Use certain medicines that increase pressure in the eyes.
Treatment:
It’s important to diagnose glaucoma early before damage occurs, and often early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss. Dr. Moshe Yalon of the Eye Center of Hallandale has been detecting and treating Glaucoma patients for over 30 years in South Florida.
Dr. Yalon’s work has been published as a leader in Glaucoma treatment. As your eye specialist , he will perform a test to measure the pressure in your eye (tonometry), as well as eye tests to check your peripheral vision. Dr. Yalon & his team at the Hallandale Eye Center will also use various instruments to look inside your eye and check for any nerve damage or other issues such as Cataracts, Eye Floaters, Astigmatism or other potentially dangerous eye issues.
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A regular eye exam can help catch the onset of Glaucoma before any serious affects.
Treatments can include medical drops, laser treatments or in some cases surgical filters.