So although this is coming rather late as the vision and eye health prompt was last month and this is a new one, I found it necessary to still go ahead to complete this draft and share this knowledge out there for everyone. While we are yet to have the new theme unveiled. It is a post about glaucoma and I do hope everyone benefits from it immensely an keep their eye safe way into old age. Again what beautiful month it had been, thank you all for your support for a health oriented community.
Alright here we go.. get your jotting lads, it's gonna be a long ride.
There certain things people never plan for and blindness is definitely one of them. But how terrible it feels when people get old and having lived all their life with sight become blind and no longer able to appreciate their environment and their families and Grand children. They are now led around and their activities are also limited and they can not seem to even make a living or make a meaning. Some would even prefer death to this but most are grateful for the life they still have to live and that's a beautiful silver lining, but it takes the eyes of the mind to see that. I ll be writing on the myths of a third eye as the pineal gland in the next scientific post for the month but in this post. I have written about Glaucoma and what is to be known about it.
From my practice and experience this disease is not a fun one at all and the way it creeps in, or does it get pulled in.. it has so many risk factors which I remember we had to learn in medschool and more are still being stipulated. However in this post I plan to touch on some that can get really helpful so you all can keep reading and hiving into your old ages.
What is glaucoma?
Let's begin here, yeah.. we ll need to know what this disease is and just how it works. So imagine a ball filled with water and the pressure of the water in it is really high, such that the material of the ball weather leather or rubber thins out to cause even a rupture of the ball and an outburst. Ok. Now stop imagining. .. I hope that was fun hehe.. no it isn't actually, that ball replaced with an eye with a lot of delicate tissues there will be what glaucoma is.
The glaucomas are a group of optic neuropathies characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. According to NHS
When this pressure mounts, the harm is done to all the tissues around and non is spared. However the part that is most affected is the optic nerve, this is the band of nerves that send signals from the eyes to the to the brain and this makes the signals not to be able to be properly trasmitted. THis compressws the nerves till the last life is out and the vision gradually fades away.
If we look closely at the eye, it is one that is so delicate that every structure gives its value to be priceless. There is no way to reverse a damaged nerve. However, there are many ways to prevent it.
Over 70 million people have this glaucoma but only 10% of them know of it. Some are even children and are yet to even learn about the eye.
There are different classes of glaucoma, lets talk about them okay..
Primary open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma, and it usually develops slowly over time. It is characterized by a gradual loss of vision due to damage to the optic nerve.
Angle-closure glaucoma: This type of glaucoma occurs when the angle between the iris and the cornea becomes blocked, causing an increase in eye pressure. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term).
Normal-tension glaucoma: This type of glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve becomes damaged, even though the eye pressure is within the normal range.
Secondary glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is caused by another underlying condition, such as eye trauma, inflammation, or a tumor.
Congenital glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is present at birth and is caused by abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
Pigmentary glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is caused by the accumulation of pigment in the front part of the eye, which can block the drainage angle and increase eye pressure.
Neovascular glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is caused by the growth of new blood vessels in the front part of the eye, which can block the drainage angle and increase eye pressure.
#YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED BY THE RISK FACTORS OF THIS DISEASE
Age: Glaucoma is more common in people over the age of 60. As we age, we are gradually being at risk. That's scary, having vision impaired at old age right.
Family history: Glaucoma also tends to run in families, so if you have a family member with glaucoma, you may be at increased risk if it too. However not every one know this in most regions especially where people don't do regular checkups.
Ethnicity: Glaucoma is more common in African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. Well, one disease that does affect both the blacks and white almost equally.
High eye pressure: People with higher eye pressure are at increased risk of developing glaucoma. A tonometer is used to check the eye pressure at the eye centres. The ophthalmologist will do that.. it is ADVICED to be done regularly if you are at risk
Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase the risk of glaucoma. Imbalance in metabolic compounds can develop increase production, or reduce drainage of the humours.
Previous eye injuries: People who have had eye injuries, especially those involving blunt trauma, may be at increased risk of developing glaucoma. More so, those who have had eye surgeries too. As will be discuss later.
Certain medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase the risk of glaucoma. Corticosteroids are steroid which are hormonal in the human body.
Nearsightedness: People who are very nearsighted (myopic) may be at increased risk of developing glaucoma. This is often a gem to catch in med school, severe myopia increase the risk.
Previous eye surgery: Here.. People who have had certain types of eye surgery, such as cataract surgery, may be at increased risk of developing glaucoma.
DONT YOU WANNA KNOW IF IT CAN BE PREVENTED
There is no sure way to prevent glaucoma, but you can reduce your risk by:
Getting regular eye exams: If you are at increased risk of glaucoma or have a family history of the disease, it is important to get regular eye exams to detect glaucoma early.
Controlling your blood pressure: High blood pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma, so it is important to keep your blood pressure under control. Don't wait till you develop hypertension before you consider control. You can control with prevention too, avoid salty diet, do less fatty food, check an monitor your BP and fix regular check
Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of glaucoma, so it is important to maintain a healthy weight. Regular checks also matter here.
Exercising regularly: Regular exercise can help lower your risk of glaucoma by improving your overall health and controlling your blood pressure.
Eating a healthy diet: A diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in salt and saturated fat can help lower your risk of glaucoma.
Wearing protective eyewear: If you are at risk of eye injuries, such as if you play contact sports or work in an environment with flying debris, it is important to wear protective eyewear to reduce your risk of glaucoma.
Avoiding certain medications: If you are taking medications that can increase your risk of glaucoma, such as corticosteroids, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative medication.
As one of the leading causes of blindness, the topic of glaucoma needs to be shared and that's why despite being late I still deem it for to share for all to benefit from.
Thanks so much for reading.
You may drop your questions or clarifications if any.
Jaydr
References
Glaucoma -- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma
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