Glaucoma is a leading cause
of blindness in the United States, especially
for older people. But loss of sight from
Glaucoma is often preventable if you get
treatment early enough. Glaucoma is a
disease of the optic nerve, The optic
nerve carries the images we see to the
brain. Many people know that Glaucoma
has something to do with pressure inside
the eye. The higher the pressure inside
the eye. The greater chance of damage
to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is
made up of a huge number of nerve fibers,
like an electric cable containing a huge
number of wires. Glaucoma can damage nerve
fibers, causing blind spots to develop.
Usually people do not notice these blind
areas until much optic nerve damage has
already occurred. If the entire nerve
is destroyed, blindness results.
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
As a rule, damage caused
by Glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eye drops,
pills, and laser and surgical operation
are used to prevent or slow further damage
from occurring.
