Glaucoma and Cataract
WHAT IS GLAUCoMA
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which it is thought the internal pressure of the eye rises to a point that the optic nerve is damaged. The pressure that builds up is due to a problem in the production, flow or drainage of fluid normally produced in the eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of permanent vision loss in Nigeria.
What causes glaucoma?
The exact cause of glaucoma is not known. For some reason, there is an overproduction of fluid and/or the passages that normally allow fluid within your eye to drain out become clogged or blocked. This results in fluid building up within your eye and increasing pressure on the optic nerve. The nerve fibers and blood vessels in the optic nerve can easily be damaged by this pressure. An injury, infection or tumor in or around the eye can also cause the pressure to rise
What is a cataract?
A cataract forms when the lens of the eye, which is normally clear, becomes foggy and opaque. The affected area may be extremely small or very large and cause a noticeable loss of vision.
Who is affected?
Cataracts mostly affect those aged 60 and over, however, they may also be found in young people and infants.
What causes cataracts?
No one knows what really causes them. However, we do know that the clouding of the lens comes from a chemical modification within the eye which can be related to aging, heredity, trauma or illness. This may be due to advancing age or it may be the result of heredity, an injury or a disease. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight, cigarette smoke or the use of certain medications are also risk factors for the development of cataracts. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but often at different rates.
What are the signs/symptoms of cataracts?
Cataracts develop without pain or redness, some indications that a cataract may be forming include blurred or hazy vision, the appearance of spots in front of the eyes or the feeling of having a film over the eyes. A temporary improvement in near vision may also occur and increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night, may be experienced.