|
|
|
Glaucoma is the
most common neurologic eye disease in the world and
the second leading cause of blindness in the United
States. Glaucoma usually has no symptoms until it
is in the advanced stages, and damage is
irreversible. But, early detection can prevent a
significant number of patients from experiencing
any visual disability. Glaucoma is a
disease of the optic nerve, which connects the eye
to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many
nerve fibers like an electric cable containing
numerous wires. When pressure in the eye increases
the nerve may be damaged causing blind spots to
develop. If the entire nerve is destroyed,
blindness results. In most cases their is no pain
or redness and you can maintain excellent central
vision until the final stages. Since early
detection and treatment are the keys to preventing
loss of visual function, regular eye examinations
by an ophthalmologist or optometrist are critical.
Because glaucoma involves many factors, and some
glaucoma damage occurs at normal pressures, simply
getting an eye pressure screening is
insufficient. All Ophthalmic
Associates doctors treat glaucoma patients. In July
of 2003 Dr. Elizabeth Morgan will complete her
fellowship and join the Ophthalmic Associates team
as a subpecialist in Glaucoma. |
Glaucoma
The
most important risk factors are; elevated eye
pressure, older age, African ancestry, a family
history of glaucoma and significant eye injuries.
Less strongly associated risk factors are diabetes,
nearsightedness, hypertension and vasospastic
diseases such as migraines and Raynaud's
syndrome.