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Lakewood, NJ ----- Glaucoma
is a group of eye diseases which gradually steals sight without
warning, and often without symptoms. Vision loss is caused
by damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve acts like an
electric cable with over a million wires and is responsible for
carrying images we see to the brain.
According to Edward Hedaya, MD, ophthalmologist on staff at Kimball
Medical Center, intraocular pressure (IOP) was once thought to
be the main cause of this optic damage. “IOP is a risk
factor, but other factors are also involved because even people
with normal IOP can experience vision loss from glaucoma,” he
explains.
Glaucoma affects an estimated three million Americans, 120,000
of whom are blind as a result. Glaucoma ranks as one of the
leading causes of blindness throughout the world. Even if
those with glaucoma do not become blind, their vision is severely
affected. About half of all Americans with glaucoma do not
even know they have it. Glaucoma is a chronic disease which
must be treated for life. Currently, its causes are not well
understood and there is no cure.
“The eye has pressure just as our blood does, and when this
intraocular pressure increases to dangerous level, it damages the
optic nerve,” says Dr. Hedaya. “This can result
in decreased vision and eventually, blindness.”
There are two main types of glaucoma: open angle glaucoma and
closed angle glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma gradually reduces your vision, and
can go on for years before you notice any loss in sight. This
type of glaucoma develops when there is a blockage deep within
your eye’s drainage canal. This blockage causes the
IOP to rise because the fluid in the eye can not drain properly. Closed
angle glaucoma, also known as acute glaucoma or narrow angle glaucoma,
is rare and is very different from open angle glaucoma in that
the eye pressure usually rises very quickly. This happens
when the drainage canals get blocked or covered over. Symptoms
may include headaches, eye pain, nausea, rainbows around lights
at night, and very blurred vision.
Through a visit to an ophthalmologist, you can be screened for
this specific pattern of optic nerve damage. “The most
important thing you can do to protect your vision from glaucoma
is to have regular eye exams,” says Dr. Hedaya. “If
your ophthalmologist finds that you have the disease or that you
are at risk, he or she can recommend treatment to minimize the
risks or the effects.”
To schedule an eye exam with Dr. Hedaya or another ophthalmologist
on staff at Kimball Medical Center, call the Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-724-7123.
Date: January 29, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
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