Who suffers from Glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, however, it is very rare in people
under 45 years of age, and even then the condition is quite rare.
The people who run the highest risk of developing glaucoma, are
people who:
- have a close blood relative who has suffered
from glaucoma. (e.g. mother, father, sister or brother)
- have High Blood Pressure.
- have Diabetes.
If you fall under any of these categories, it is vital that you
have regular eye examinations.
If you suffer from Diabetes or have a close blood relation who
suffers from glaucoma, or indeed if you have glaucoma yourself,
you are entitled to a free NHS sight test, in the UK.
How is Glaucoma detected?
If you are over 45 years of age, your optician will often use an
instrument called a Tonometor, at the end of the sight exam. This
instrument takes a pressure reading from your eye by firing air
at one eye at a time. The Optician then uses this reading to find
the exact pressure within the eye.
If the Optician finds that the pressure is above normal, he or
she will investigate further.
How is Glaucoma Treated?
Glaucoma can be treated easily, if detected early enough. The most
common treatments involve drugs which are taken in the form of eye
drops. These drugs will reduce the production of the transparent
fluid within the eye. This relieves the pressure from within the
eye and prevents damage caused by Glaucoma.
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