Glaucoma is a group of diseases which affect the optic nerve of the eye. These diseases can result in a loss of vision or blindness. With early detection, glaucoma is treatable and manageable, but if neglected, can progress to blindness as the result of optic nerve damage.
Eye Pressure
A wide range of studies have found that a major cause of optic nerve damage is eye pressure. Pressure inside the eye builds up due to the slow drainage of the fluid in the anterior chamber. The increased pressure causes damage to the optic nerve which in turn results in vision loss, making it essential for patients to control the pressure inside of their eye.
Blood Pressure and Your Vision
High blood pressure is also known to cause further damage. Those who have glaucoma are often required to monitor and reduce their blood pressure. Those who have increased eye pressure may not necessarily develop glaucoma, as some individuals can tolerate higher levels of eye pressure without nerve damage.
The level of pressure that a particular person’s optic nerve can tolerate without being damaged varies. A full eye exam can determine whether or not a person has developed glaucoma and also helps to determine the specific level of eye pressure that is tolerable for the patient.
In order to identify and manage glaucoma, it is critical to have regular eye checkups with your eye doctor.