Friday, September 30, 2016

What is Glaucoma and How Does it Occur?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve. A human eye contains an intraocular fluid, which is created, circulated, and then finally excreted before the process begins again. If an imbalance occurs between the intraocular fluid produced and the amount that drains away, eye diseases such as glaucoma can develop, resulting in a loss of vision.

To get a better understanding of the importance of this fluid in the eye, one can compare the eye to a soccer ball. For a soccer ball to maintain its function, it must be filled with air. Just like a soccer ball, the eye also requires a certain amount of air pressure to keep its shape and to properly function.

There are a variety of issues which can affect an eye's ability to regulate intraocular fluid, including eye injuries, medical reactions, and abnormal blood vessel formation from diseases like diabetes. These issues can lead to a pressure change in the eye. If an eye is unable to regulate this itself, this pressure can push against nerve fibers, which can eventually damage the optic nerve.

However, it is also possible for glaucoma to occur when eye pressure is normal. Poor blood flow to the optic nerve may also be a cause. This happens when there is a narrowing of the blood vessels that nourishes the optic nerve.

Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma. Vision loss through the disease can’t be restored. For this reason, it is important to visit your ophthalmologist for a yearly screening. An early detection and treatment can help delay the progression of the disease.