Search Results for: blog get your eyes checked to prevent glaucoma

Watching Out for Vision Problems

A parent, grandparent, or other family member may be the first to notice that a child is having vision problems. Or, it may be a teacher or other educator who notices the problem. Sometimes, a vision problem goes undetected until an annual eye exam. A child who is having vision problems may not come out and say something like, “I can’t see the blackboard,” or “It’s hard to see things that are far away.” They may not say anything at all! But there are some signs you can watch out for. When your child is reading or doing other close … Continue reading →

A Link Between Alzheimer’s and Glaucoma

British researchers have discovered common protein fragments in people with Alzheimer’s disease and people with glaucoma. This discovery may change how both diseases are treated. These protein fragments are called amyloid-beta. In people with Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid beta fragments form plaques in the brain. In people with glaucoma, amyloid beta fragments seem to cause the death of cells in the retina. The University College of London study focused on testing drugs that blocked pathways normally traveled by the amyloid beta fragments. In animal testing, the drugs reduced eye damage and helped preserve the lives of cells in the retina. The … Continue reading →

Eye Opening Information About Eye Exams

I had to take my contacts to get professionally cleaned today and while I was sitting in the waiting area I got into a conversation with a woman who provided me with some eye opening news. Long story short, a few months ago she scheduled an eye exam because she was having a problem with her left eye jerking uncontrollably. Our ophthalmologist examined her eye and referred her to another doctor who suggested she have an MRI done. The MRI (a magnetic scan) revealed that she had a tumor on her pituitary gland. She underwent surgery and she’s fine now, … Continue reading →

Tonometry (Glaucoma Tests)

There are four different types of test that can help detect glaucoma. Each test measures the pressure inside your eye, also known as intraocular pressure, by determining the resistance of your cornea to indentation. Nothing says fun like getting poked in the eye! Non-contact tonometry, also known as pneumotonometry, uses a puff of air to flatten your cornea. This is the least accurate but easiest tonometry test out there. It basically screens only for high intraocular pressure. If you’ve been in for an eye exam, you’ve probably had the air-puff eye test. Personally, it’s my least favorite part of the … Continue reading →

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition caused by too much fluid pressure building up in the eye. This pressure is known as intraocular pressure and can damage the optic nerve — the one responsible for transmitting images from the eyes to the brain. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually lead to permanent blindness within just a few years. What makes the intraocular pressure increase? In a normal, healthy eye, the fluid inside flows out through a mesh-like opening. If the mesh becomes blocked, the fluid will start to build up. Doctors aren’t sure why the mesh becomes blocked; occasionally it can be caused … Continue reading →

Glaucoma In Pets

Glaucoma is common in both humans and dogs. When pressure fluid inside the eyeball is too high, internal structures can be destroyed. This is glaucoma. The pressure damage is similar to high blood pressure rupturing a blood vessel in the brain, causing blood flooding that damages brain cells — otherwise known as a stroke. Glaucoma renders the affected eye blind and useless in most cases. What causes glaucoma? The fluid in the eyeball is known as aqueous humor. Drainage issues — the aqueous humor not being able to drain properly from the eye — is the most frequent cause of … Continue reading →

Age and Driving

How old is too old to drive? Getting older doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up your license and independence; your health and mental state are more important to your ability to drive than the number of candles on your cake. General effects of aging include muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and reduced flexibility. Your reflexes start to slow down, too. All these things together may give you trouble turning the steering wheel or using the brakes. Severe arthritis may make it hard for you to grip the wheel or look over your shoulder to check for oncoming traffic. Night … Continue reading →