Tag Archives: glaucoma

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 →

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 →

Get Your Eyes Checked to Prevent Glaucoma

As many as 4 million Americans are suffering from glaucoma — a disease caused by a build-up of fluid in the eye that puts pressure on the optic nerve, causing vision loss. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States! It is not preventable or curable, but the progress of the disease can be slowed with early detection. People who are at risk for glaucoma: People over the age of 40 People with a family history of glaucoma People who are very nearsighted Diabetics African Americans Glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly over time. You may not notice … Continue reading →