Glaucoma is used in reference to a group of eye conditions that lead to damage of the nerve that transmits signals to the brain- the optic nerve. It is the damage to this nerve that leads to vision loss. When the pressure inside the eyes, called intraocular pressure, is increased too much, the eyes will likely get damaged. This is among the leading causes of blindness. The damage to vision occurs so gradually that one may fail to realize until the condition is advanced. For those suffering from glaucoma San Antonio offers various options of treatment.

The most common type is the primary-angle glaucoma. It has no noticeable signs or symptoms except for the fact that the seriousness increases gradually. When diagnosis is done early and treatment scheduled, damage to the optic nerve is minimized and any vision loss related to it avoided. The eyes should be examined regularly and this should include measurement of intraocular pressure.

The most common types of this condition, primary open-angle and angle-closure, have very varying symptoms. The former has two main types; tunnel vision during advanced stages and gradual loss of peripheral vision in both eyes. The latter has symptoms such as eye pain, blurred vision, vomiting, nausea and sudden onset of visual disturbance. The conditions are referred to as primary when the cause is unknown and secondary when its cause can be traced to known causes.

Patients are advised not to wait until the symptoms are in the advanced stages. The best way to detect this condition early is to go for regular check-ups. Some of the indicators to look out for are strong headaches, nausea, eye pain and halos around the eyes. Any such symptoms should be shared with the doctor.

There is the fluid known as aqueous humor that flows in and out of eyes. When the fluid builds up inside the eye, there is increased pressure. This fluid gets out of the eye via a drainage system that is at the angle where the iris and cornea meet. If in any case the drainage system does not work well, then the fluid does not filter normally from the eyes. There is thus pressure build-up in the eyes.

Some risk factors will make an individual more susceptible to the condition. Age is one of the crucial factors that determine how easily one may contract it. Persons that are 40 years and above are at more risk of contracting angle-closure glaucoma. African-Americans are more at risk of developing the condition, plus it affects much younger people. Mexican-Americans over 60 years are at higher risk.

People that come from families that have history of glaucoma are more at risk. Further, there is a genetic link to it, which means some individuals are more susceptible than others. Diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure are among the medical conditions which increase risk of infection.

The treatment is mainly used to reduce pressure of the eyes. The pressure of the eyes is lowered, the drainage system improved or the quantity of fluid reduced. The condition itself cannot be cured. It is the damages that are minimized and vision loss prevented.