Glaucoma is an eye disease that leads to damage of the optic nerve. This condition can cause permanent vision loss. Some people who are at increased risk of getting it are individuals who have family members who have it. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you should talk to your optometrist about the risk of getting it.
There is a strong hereditary component to most types of glaucoma. Based on several studies and experts, glaucoma is familial. Because of the link between glaucoma and family history, people with family members with glaucoma usually have a lot of questions. This is reasonable considering the damage the disease can cause. Here are three questions a person with a family history of glaucoma can ask an optometrist.
Family history is a risk factor for glaucoma. A child may not necessarily get it, but it increases the chances. Other people at increased risk of developing glaucoma are people who have certain conditions such as diabetes, myopia, and high blood pressure; those who are of Asian, African, or Hispanic heritage; and those who are over the age of 40. People with these risk factors are usually advised to have their eyes examined regularly to look for the disease.
A significant number of people with glaucoma have a positive family history. People with a sibling who has glaucoma are especially at risk of developing glaucoma, but that person may not know of the disease. Blood relatives are also at increased risk.
One way that a glaucoma patient can reduce vision loss from the condition is by making sure that family members understand they are at increased risk. The individual should suggest screening to close family members. This may include getting their eyes checked by an optometrist. This is important because it will help in the early detection of the disease. As a result, it can be treated in its early stages.
If it is not treated, glaucoma may cause permanent damage. People can lose their vision. Once someone's vision is lost, it cannot be restored. The best way a person can protect their eyes is by getting regular exams and seeking treatment if glaucoma is detected.
For some people, the topic may be hard to bring up, but it will help their family members significantly. Bringing it up at family gatherings is recommended. It will help all the family members to get the news in one place, and valuable information may also be gathered and shared when multiple family members are present. Family members should be aware of the risks they may face.
Let us go over some frequently asked questions about glaucoma:
Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve, which carries information from your eye to your brain. This destruction can lead to vision loss or blindness. Glaucoma typically occurs when the fluid pressure inside your eye increases.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain groups of people are at greater risk. These include people over age 60, African Americans, and people with a family history of glaucoma.
Glaucoma usually has no early symptoms. This is why it is vital to have regular eye examinations so that glaucoma can be detected early and treated. Once glaucoma damage has occurred, symptoms may include vision loss, tunnel vision, or seeing halos around lights.
Glaucoma cannot be healed, but it can be controlled. Treatment typically involves medications to lower eye pressure. In some cases, surgery treatments may also be necessary.
There is no sure way to avert glaucoma, but you can help reduce your risk by having regular eye examinations and controlling other risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The two primary types of glaucoma are open-angle and angle-closure. Open-angle is the most common type and usually develops slowly, without any symptoms. Angle-closure is less common but more severe and can lead to a sudden increase in eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve quickly.
Although glaucoma cannot be prevented, its development can be slowed down with early treatment. People should have regular eye exams. When it is detected early, it can usually be controlled with medications like eye drops. Surgery may be recommended if glaucoma does not respond to medication. If you want to find out more about the risk of getting it, contact your optometrist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.texasoptical.net or call Texas Optical at (214) 771-7333 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Many people overlook professional eye care until they begin having sight issues. However, the eyes can often be seen as a window into the body's overall health. Therefore, regular eye exams go far beyond determining whether you need glasses or contacts. They are essential for preserving your health and often provide early detection of other…
While eye health is a key aspect of general health, people may not know the most effective ways to care for their eyes and vision properly. Fortunately, optometry helps patients preserve their overall eye health with vision correction and routine eye examinations. If you are wondering what else you can do to help keep your…
Put plainly, cataracts are cloudy areas on the lens of the eye. An optometrist is necessary for cataract treatment as the condition seldom goes away on its own. However, the earlier cataracts are detected, the better treatment success odds are. Let us look closer at the condition and the treatments we offer.The eyes' lens is…
Blurry vision can interfere with the life that you want to live. It can make you less able to engage with your surroundings and may even limit your ability to do daily tasks, such as driving. However, by searching the internet for "optometrist near me", you can find a professional to help resolve your blurry…
Many people overlook professional eye care until they begin having sight issues.
Prioritizing your eye health can help protect and preserve your vision for years to come.
The only known cataract treatment is through surgery.
Patients require regular vision testing to keep their eyes healthy.
If blurry vision is interfering with how you want to live your life, you do…
Since a contact fits directly onto the eye’s surface, it is crucial to determine what…
