Glaucoma is a disease of the eye which
usually develops after the age of 40. Normally, fluid inside our eyes
(called aqueous humor) is constantly produced and then drained, but
sometimes the production becomes excessive or the drainage becomes
blocked, resulting in a build up of fluid. The pressure inside the eye
rises, causing damage to the optic nerve which carries visual images
from the eye to the brain.
A
particular type of glaucoma, called 'chronic open angle', is common but
doesn't cause any symptoms initially. Only an optician with a special
device can detect it.
On the other hand, another variety of
glaucoma, called 'acute closed-angle', is caused by a sudden blockage in
the eye, resulting in sudden pain and dramatic loss of vision. This type
of glaucoma can be repaired, but the treatment needs to continue for
life.
Approximately one in 100 people aged
over 40 suffer from glaucoma and yet half of these people don't even
know that they have it. But early diagnosis and treatment can avoid
problems which could lead to blindness.
People at high risk for glaucoma are
those who:
- are over 40 years old
- have high blood pressure or heart
disease
- have diabetes
- are severely short-sighted
- have a close relative with
glaucoma
Get your Bodybuilding Supplements at discounted price
|