Catching Glaucoma Early: Why It Matters
The medical professional at New Vision Clinic discussed cataracts and glaucoma with me.
In a conversation on Radio "KP", ophthalmologist and top-notch professional Elena Petrichenko stressed the importance of early glaucoma detection. This eye condition, which can be hereditary, often shows no symptoms for years, making regular check-ups after age 40 crucial if there's a family history.
Elena Petrichenko, from the "New Vision" clinic, clarified that glaucoma is more than just cataracts. It's a chronic condition where intraocular pressure increases, damaging the retina and optic nerve. Once nerve cells are damaged, they don't regenerate, and high pressure can cause optic nerve atrophy. At this point, while treatment can help preserve remaining vision, vision loss already occurred.
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About "New Vision" Clinic
Established in 2016, the "New Vision" clinic has assisted over 25,000 individuals. Their services include cataract surgery, laser correction, and combating glaucoma and keratoconus, among others.
Address: Industrial Street, 145Phone: 8 800 707-94-25
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Early Indicators of Glaucoma
Even though glaucoma progresses gradually and its early signs may not be immediately noticeable, here are some common indicators:
- Loss of Peripheral Vision: This is often the first sign, as vision loss begins at the periphery[2][4].
- Blurred Vision: Increased eye pressure can cause blurry vision[3].
- Halos Around Lights: Seeing halos or rainbow-colored rings around lights, especially at night[2][5].
- Difficulty Adjusting to Darkness: It may take longer for the eyes to adjust when moving from a well-lit area to a darker one[2].
- Eye Pain and Headaches: Sudden intense eye pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting are symptoms more commonly associated with acute angle-closure glaucoma[3][5].
Preventing Glaucoma Progression and Vision Loss
While glaucoma cannot be prevented, its progression can be slowed with early detection and treatment. Here's what you can do:
- Detection and Treatment:
- Regular eye exams for early detection[4].
- Prescription eye drops to lower intraocular pressure[4].
- Surgeries or laser treatments when eye drops are ineffective[3][4].
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
- A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids to support eye health.
- Regular physical activity to potentially reduce eye pressure.
- Avoiding smoking and managing high blood pressure to help slow glaucoma progression.
Remember, if symptoms worsen, consult an eye care professional promptly.
- Elena Petrichenko, an ophthalmologist from the "New Vision" clinic, emphasized the significance of early glaucoma detection during a conversation on Radio "KP".
- Glaucoma is a chronic condition that requires attention, differentiating it from common misconceptions like cataracts.
- Increased intraocular pressure in glaucoma damages the retina and optic nerve, with nerve cells not regenerating once damaged.
- Regular eye check-ups are essential after age 40, especially when there's a family history of glaucoma.
- Early detection and treatment can slow the progression of glaucoma, reducing the risk of vision loss.
- Losing peripheral vision is often an early sign of glaucoma.
- Increased eye pressure can cause blurry vision, another common indicator of glaucoma.
- Seeing halos or rainbow-colored rings around lights, especially at night, may signal glaucoma.
- Difficulty adjusting to darkness after moving from a well-lit area to a darker one could also be a sign of glaucoma.
- Sudden intense eye pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting are symptoms more commonly associated with acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- While maintaining a healthy lifestyle cannot prevent glaucoma, it can help slow its progression.
- Adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can support eye health.
- Regular physical activity may potentially reduce eye pressure, helping to manage glaucoma.
- Quitting smoking and managing high blood pressure are other healthy choices that can aid in slowing glaucoma progression.
