Glaucoma is a group of conditions of the eye which bring about optic nerve damage. This results in vision loss. The vision is lost as a result of abnormally high pressure in the eyes. It is one of the conditions that majorly bring about blindness. The loss of vision is normally so gradual that it may not be noticed until it is at advanced stages. In consideration of treatment for glaucoma San Antonio residents should consider various factors.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common and has no noticeable signs other than gradual loss of vision. If the condition is diagnosed and treated early, the damage to the optic nerve will be prevented and thus the loss of vision that would result limited. The eyes need regular examination during which the doctor needs to measure the intraocular pressure. This pressure results from build-up of aqueous humor. This is the fluid that flows in and out of the eye.

The various types of this condition have differing symptoms. For the open angle type, one will experience gradual loss of peripheral vision, normally in both eyes. In the more advanced stages, there will be tunnel vision. The acute closure type is characterized by eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, reddening of the eyes and halos around lights. Both conditions are referred to as primary when the cause is unknown and secondary when their cause may be traced to known causes.

Eye specialists recommend that individuals do not wait until there are noticeable problems before seeking medical intervention. For adults aged forty and above, there should be checkups once in every three to five years so that any risk factors are dealt with. This is not however the same for persons of over sixty years. This category of people will need screening every once in a year or two.

There are various risk factors that one ought to be aware of. The first and maybe most important is the internal eye pressure. If it is higher than normal, there will be increased risk of contracting the condition. However, not everyone with elevated internal eye pressure contracts the disease. Age is another crucial factor. Those older than sixty are at a higher risk, especially if they are Mexican-American. African-Americans are likely to develop the disease at a younger age.

Also important is the family history. Persons who hail from families with a history of glaucoma are more likely to contract the disease. This means they should go for regular medical examination. Furthermore, there are a number of other medical conditions that are also risk factors. They include diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

When the eyes are severely injured, they will likely have increased pressure. Other conditions such as eye inflammation, eye tumors, retinal detachment and lens dislocation are also risk factors. The same applies to some forms of eye surgery. People that suffer from short sightedness or long sightedness are also more at risk.

There are preventive measures that may be very instrumental. These include treating of elevated eye pressure, eating healthy diet and wearing eye protection. Wearing of protection will prevent serious eye injuries. A healthy diet improves physical and mental health.