Glaucoma is a disease of the eye, in which the intraocular pressure increases, which leads to the defeat of the optic nerve. As a result, vision decreases and full atrophy of the optic nerve may occur. This insidious disease occurs more often in people older than 40 years, but can be observed even in children.
Forms and symptoms of glaucoma
The essence of the disease is a periodic or constant increase in intraocular pressure, which is associated with a violation of the outflow of intraocular fluid. There are two main forms of glaucoma:
- open-angle;
- closed-angle.
Also, glaucoma can be congenital, juvenile (juvenile), secondary (as a result of other eye diseases or anomalies). Open angle glaucoma is most common, and its danger lies in the fact that there are no clearly expressed symptoms of the disease, it can go on for a long time imperceptibly and painlessly, destroying the optic nerve. Only timely treatment of open-angle glaucoma can bring an effect. With this form, the iris-corneal angle remains open, moisture accumulates due to disturbance of the drainage system of the eye, which causes an increase in intraocular pressure.
Several signs that may indicate an increase in intraocular pressure:
- the appearance of "fog" and "flies" before the eyes;
- "Rainbow circles" when looking at the light source;
- carvings in the eye;
- excessive hydration of the eye;
- blurred vision at dusk.
Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when the peripheral part of the iris closes the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye, which makes it difficult to access the liquid to the drainage system of the eye. This form often occurs in the form of sudden attacks of a significant increase in intraocular pressure with such signs:
- severe pain in the eye;
- blurring of vision;
- a headache giving to the temple;
- general weakness, nausea.
In the case of an acute attack of glaucoma, immediate assistance and treatment is required, otherwise this can lead to serious consequences. It is important not to confuse the attack of glaucoma with migraine, poisoning or other conditions.
Glaucoma can also occur against the background of normal intraocular pressure due to impaired blood flow to the eye.
How to treat glaucoma?
Completely completely cure this disease is almost impossible, but there are methods that help it stop and maintain normal vision.
- Preparations for the treatment of glaucoma. As a rule, glaucoma is prescribed eye drops and pills that allow to reduce intraocular pressure, as well as improve the blood supply to the eye, normalize metabolic processes. When glaucoma is useful, vitamins for the eyes, which prevent its progression: A, E, C and B.
- Treatment of glaucoma by laser. Methods of laser treatment are aimed at improving the outflow of intraocular fluid by exposing the drainage zone of the eye to a laser beam. This is a non-traumatic procedure, which is highly effective only in the early stages of the disease.
- Operative treatment of glaucoma. Surgical methods are used when other methods do not bring an effect. There are several types of operations in which new ways of outflow of fluid are created or existing ones are stimulated.
Great importance for the successful treatment of glaucoma is the correct way of life and the regime of the day, rational nutrition. It is necessary to avoid situations that cause a flood of blood to the head: physical labor, accompanied by the torso and head tilt, weight lifting, and also nervous overloads. Patients with glaucoma need to limit fluid intake to 6 glasses per day.
Prevention of glaucoma
Unfortunately, there are no methods that could prevent the onset of this disease. But it is worth remembering that regular examinations at the doctor will help to identify glaucoma at the initial stage, which will greatly facilitate treatment. And, of course, a healthy lifestyle, refusal to smoke, careful treatment of your eyesight will significantly reduce the risk of its occurrence.