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Top : Eyes and Vision : Glaucoma

Learn About Glaucoma:

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that lead to damage of the optic nerve (the bundle of nerve fibers that carries information from the eye to the brain), which can then lead to vision loss and the possibility of blindness. Optic nerve damage usually occurs in the presence of high intraocular pressure. Glaucoma can occur with normal or even below-normal eye pressure. Worldwide, it is estimated that about 66.8 million people have visual impairment from glaucoma, with 6.7 million suffering from blindness.

Causes of Glaucoma:

The people most at risk for glaucoma include the people over age 60, African-American, diabetic or have a family member with glaucoma.

Symptoms of Glaucoma:

There are usually no signs that you're developing glaucoma until vision loss occurs, which is why it's so important to have regular eye exams. Your eye doctor can diagnose and treat high IOP before it progresses to optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Cures / Preventions for Glaucoma:

Doctors don't know of any way to prevent glaucoma.

Treatment for Glaucoma:

Doctors usually prescribe special eyedrops that reduce intraocular pressure. These are used one or several times a day, depending on the medication. If the drops don't work, surgery may be the next step.