Risk factors

Because glaucoma can lead to impaired vision before its symptoms become apparent, it is helpful to have an idea about the factors that increase the risk of developing this disorder.

• Elevated intraocular pressure

People with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), the probability of glaucoma is above average, although not everyone with high IOP will develop the disease.

• Years

At risk are usually related to people older than 60 years, although the chance of developing angle-closure glaucoma increases after 40 years. However, some ethnic groups, such as people of African descent, the risk of glaucoma increases significantly earlier age, and they should undergo regular examinations by an ophthalmologist with approximately 20-30 years.

• Ethnicity

Do black people over the age of 40 years, the risk of developing glaucoma is much higher than in Caucasians of the same age. They also have the greatest potential permanent loss of vision due to glaucoma. Representatives of Asian nations increased likelihood of developing acute angle-closure glaucoma Angle-closure glaucoma - possibly severe course of the disease .

• A family history of glaucoma

If your family history of glaucoma, you are at risk for developing this disease. Experts believe that these patients may have a genetic predisposition to the disease glaucoma.

• My history

Some diseases, both active and deferred earlier, increase the likelihood of glaucoma; These include diabetes, heart disease Heart disease and heart attacks: that every woman should know , High blood pressure Blood pressure - dangerous if his swing?   and hypothyroidism. Serious damage to the eye may cause increase in IOP and consequently lead to the development of glaucoma. The same effects can be and some eye diseases. Some surgical procedures can become triggers glaucoma. In addition, the risk of developing glaucoma is elevated in myopia and hyperopia people. Finally, long-term use of corticosteroids, particularly - eyedrops containing these substances also increases the likelihood that the individual will become ill glaucoma.

Complications

If glaucoma is not treated, it will lead to a gradual loss of vision that usually goes through the following steps:

• The appearance of blind spots in the peripheral vision;
• Tunnel vision;
• Total blindness.

Do the glasses glaucoma?

Points do not apply to treatment of glaucoma. If you wore glasses before, once you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you should continue to wear them, as before. If glaucoma will lead to a further deterioration of view, you will write new glasses, but they will not be able to slow the progression of the disease - they're just not designed for that.

At the same time, patients with glaucoma are advised to wear sunglasses - they also do not stop the progression of the disease, but they can be used to avoid the development of cataracts Cataracts - how to solve the problem completely?   - Violations that are often associated with glaucoma. It is believed that exposure to ultraviolet radiation by itself increases the likelihood of cataracts and glaucoma risk becomes even greater. Therefore, in sunny weather it is always recommended to wear sunglasses - this is useful even for those who are not sick glaucoma.

Diagnosing glaucoma

Diagnosis of glaucoma is not only in the measurement in intraocular pressure, but a detailed inspection of the state of hydrodynamics eyes, his visual functions. To prevent glaucoma Prevention of glaucoma: how to prevent deterioration   after 40 years should undergo regular examinations by an ophthalmologist, in particular to achieve the 60-70 years in the cases of the disease in the family, as the hereditary factor plays an important role in this case. If you have a visual discomfort, which is not corrected by wearing glasses, you also need to see a doctor and do not start the disease. If you have marked the stages of diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular and nervous systems, examinations at the ophthalmologist should also be regular.

After an initial study of personal and family medical history of the patient with suspected glaucoma, your doctor may use to diagnose the following methods.

• Measurement of intraocular pressure. Tonometry - a simple and painless procedure, which allows to determine intraocular pressure of the patient. Before its implementation apply eye drops, which have analgesic effect. Usually this procedure is carried out during the diagnosis of glaucoma first.
• Checking damage the optic nerve. During this procedure, the doctor uses special tools that allow you to examine the optic nerve and to identify changes that may be the first signs of glaucoma Glaucoma - signs of onset of the disease, advanced and far advanced glaucoma .
• Tests for the assessment of peripheral vision. To determine how glaucoma affected the field of view of the patient, the doctor carries out special tests that evaluate the quality of peripheral (side) vision.
• Check visual acuity. As part of the diagnosis of glaucoma are also conducted routine tests for visual acuity.
• Measurement of corneal thickness (pachymetry). Before beginning this procedure, the doctor buries in the eyes of the patient's analgesic drops. Pachymetry to determine the thickness of the cornea. Patients with colon cornea intraocular pressure can be increased, even if they do not have glaucoma. When a thin cornea IOP may be normal, even if the patient revealed glaucoma.
• Other tests. To determine what type of glaucoma in a patient - closure or open-angle glaucoma Open-angle glaucoma - occurs often goes unnoticed   - Use this procedure as Gonioscopy. In addition, the diagnostic process can be used the methods of medical imaging.

Additional recommendations for patients with glaucoma

Those with diagnosed glaucoma or elevated IOP found, can be useful the following tips:

• Eat right. A balanced diet helps maintain health (including - eye health), although it can not prevent a gradual progression help glaucoma. Some vitamins and minerals to help improve vision - ask your doctor to advise you on these or other supplements.
• Exercise. Regular exercise can reduce the intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma, but some exercises can aggravate the symptoms of the disease. Ask your doctor to recommend a safe types of loads.
• Limit your caffeine intake. Regular consumption of high doses of caffeine can lead to increased intraocular pressure.
• Drink often and on slightly. Use of more than 500 ml of water or other liquid at a time may cause a transient rise in IOP.
• Seek support. Because glaucoma can not be cured completely, a diagnosis usually means a need to be treated and screened regularly for life. In many patients it causes a lot of stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis . To cope with it, try to contact the support team (if your city is not present, you can meet people suffering from glaucoma, thematic Internet forums). You can also talk with a psychologist, or just share their experiences with family members and friends. The need for support - this is not a sign of weakness, but a normal stage experience difficulties typical for most people.