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Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. When damage and disease to this nerve occur, a senior can develop blind spots and left untreated can eventually lead to blindness.
Early detection is the key because glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially among seniors.
Causes
When the drainage of fluid from the eye is blocked, excess fluid accumulates and fluid pressure in the eye increases. This pressure pushes against the optic nerve and causes damage.
Who is at risk?
Some of the risk factors include:
- age
- family history of glaucoma
- farsightedness or nearsightedness
- systemic health problems including diabetes and poor circulation
For more information
Visit your opthamologist to see if you may be suspect or prone to glaucoma. Regular eye exams are necessary to determine and detect the early signs of any damage to the optic nerve.
This information was taken from the American Academy of Opthalmology's Glaucoma-A Closer Look.
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