GLAUCOMA: *the silent thief of sight*

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries information from the eye to the brain. It is vital to vision. Glaucoma usually occurs when fluid (aqueous humour) builds up in the frontal part of the eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure) which damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma is not an infection, neither isn't contagious. It can occur at any age, however, it is more common in older adults; from 40years and above.
Glaucoma has been called the "silent thief of sight". This is because loss of vision, which is permanent, usually occurs slowly, over a long period of time. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness after cataract; and it affects 1 out of 5.

**WHY DOES GLAUCOMA HAPPEN? **
Glaucoma develops when the production of aqueous humour increases or does not drain adequately. The lack of drainage causes pressure to rise in the eye. Nerve fibers and blood vessels in the optic nerve become compressed. Nerve fibers become damaged or destroyed. Consequently, the transmission or visual messages to the brain is interrupted. The resultant effect is impaired vision and ultimately leads to blindness.

SIGNS
The first sign is a loss of peripheral or side vision that can go unnoticed until late in the disease, that is why glaucoma is often called the sneak thief of vision. Other signs include:

• Seeing halos
• Vision loss
• Redness in the eye
• Eyes with the hazy look
• Pain in the eyes
• Narrowed vision

HOW IS GLAUCOMA TREATED

• Application of eye drops
• Eye surgery

PREVENTION
Can the risk for glaucoma be reduced? YES! The best defense is to have regular eye examinations. This is more imperative whenever one turns forty years old and above.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR EYES HEALTHY

• Eat well; A good eyesight starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin C and E might help. Have a well-balanced diet.
• Wear sunglasses; the right pair of sunshades will help protect your eyes from sun's ultraviolet rays which expose the eye to macular degeneration. Wear protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses.
• Look away from the computer screen; staring at a computer or phone screen for too long can cause eyestrain, blurry vision, dry eyes, headache, and also trouble focusing at a distance.
• Visit your eye doctor regularly; everyone needs a regular eye examination. Eye examinations can also find diseases like glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It's important to spot them early on, when they are easier to treat.

I love my eyes and I'm 100percent sure that you do too.
STAY HEALTHY