Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure within the eye increases to such an extent that it can damage the optic nerve, ultimately leading to blindness. And while cataracts are a common type of vision impairment, they are also a major risk factor for glaucoma. Age is one of the main factors that contributes to both conditions, and it’s something you can protect yourself against by taking steps to prevent them from developing in the first place. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the ways you can reduce your risk of glaucoma and cataracts by age.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve becomes damaged, causing decreased vision. The damage may be caused by pressure on the optic nerve from an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), or by the gradual accumulation of fluid and debris inside the eye. Glaucoma can occur in any age, but is more common in older adults. Cataracts are another common complication of glaucoma, and are a leading cause of blindness worldwide.
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What Causes Glaucoma?
There is no one definitive answer to this question. However, risk factors for developing glaucoma include: age; race; family history; occupation; exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) radiation; and chronic eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or macular degeneration. Additionally, high IOPs can be caused by a number of factors, including: increased pressure within the eye due to damage to the iris or other structures within the eye; blockages in blood vessels that supply blood to the eye. abnormalities of the lens inside the eyes; and tumors or other growths near the back of the eyeball (retina).
The most common cause of glaucoma is a change in the pressure inside the eye. The pressure inside the eye rises when the optic nerve degenerates, which can be a result of aging. As the optic nerve degenerates, it can no longer transmit images from the retina to the brain. This results in a loss of vision and often leads to cataracts and glaucoma. Other causes of raised intraocular pressure include diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and nephritis.
How Common Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is one of America’s most prevalent chronic diseases, with an estimated 50 million people living with it worldwide. In 2013 alone, more than 17,000 Americans were diagnosed with glaucoma—
Symptoms of Glaucoma
If you are over the age of 50, your risk for developing Glaucoma increases by a factor of five. That’s because as we age, our eyes become less able to adjust to alterations in pressure due to increased fluid retention and other changes in the eye. Cataracts, another common complication of Glaucoma, can develop when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy from damage or inflammation.
Some early signs that you may have Glaucoma include seeing halos around lights and seeing colors more intensely than usual. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible.
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How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
There are a few ways to diagnose glaucoma. One is to take a look at someone’s eye with a microscope and see if there is damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma can also be diagnosed by measuring how much liquid flows out of the person’s eye when they blink, called a ophthalmoscopy. If glaucoma is suspected, further tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
If glaucoma is suspected, doctors may recommend that the patient have an eye exam to check for other signs of the disease, such as lens damage or increased pressure inside the eye. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or reduce pressure in the eye.
Treatment of Glaucoma
There is no one cause for glaucoma and cataracts to develop, but they are both typically the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, age can play an important role in both diseases.
As we get older, our risk of developing glaucoma increases because the eye’s lens becomes less elastic and better at retaining fluid. This can lead to a build-up of pressure within the eye, which can eventually damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.
Likewise, as we age, our eyes become more susceptible to cataracts. These lens-clouding conditions can occur when natural oil production decreases and the protein that helps keep them clear from clouding starts to accumulate. Cataracts can also be caused by injuries or other abnormalities in the eye’s lens.
Prevention of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States and around the world. It’s a condition that results from damage to the optic nerve, which sends visual images from your eye to your brain. As a result, you may experience reduced vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and blurred vision.
There are many risk factors for developing glaucoma, including: age; family history of the Disease; African American race; high blood pressure; diabetes; and smoking. However, the most important factor determining whether or not you will develop the condition is how much pressure your eyeball can withstand before it starts to lose its sight. This is called your “glaucoma threshold.”
The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing glaucoma. To start with, make sure to have regular eye exams. Your doctor will measure how much pressure your eyeball can tolerate and then recommend treatment if it’s above your normal limit. If you smoke, try to quit as soon as possible. Smoking significantly increases your risk of developing glaucoma. And be sure to get enough exercise – both aerobic activity (like running or biking) and strength-training activities (like weightlifting) have been shown to help protect your eyesight.
Conclusion
Age can be a factor in the development of glaucoma and cataracts, but it is not the only one. Genetics and lifestyle also play a role in these eye conditions. If you are over the age of 40, for example, your risk for developing glaucoma increases significantly. Smoking and drinking are also major contributors to eye disease, so make sure to avoid them if you want to protect your vision! If you have any questions about glaucoma or cataracts or would like more information on how to prevent their development, please feel free to contact our office anytime.
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