222 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
GLAUCOMA
This dangerous disease is the result of too much pressure in the eye. It usually
begins after the age of 40 and is a common cause of blindness. To prevent blindness,
it is important to recognize the signs of glaucoma and get medical help fast.
There are 2 forms of glaucoma.
ACUTE GLAUCOMA
This starts suddenly with a headache or severe pain in the eye. The eye becomes
red, the vision blurred. The eyeball feels hard to the touch, like a marble. There may be
vomiting. The pupil of the bad eye is bigger than that of the good eye.
normal
glaucoma
If not treated very soon, acute glaucoma will cause blindness within a few days.
Surgery is often needed. Get medical help fast.
CHRONIC GLAUCOMA
The pressure in the eye rises slowly. Usually there is no pain. Vision is lost slowly,
starting from the side, and often the person does not notice the loss. Testing the side
vision may help detect the disease.
TEST FOR GLAUCOMA
Have the person cover one
eye, and with the other look
at an object straight ahead of
him. Note when he can first see
moving fingers coming from
behind on each side of the head.
Normally fingers are first seen here.
In glaucoma, finger movement is
first seen more toward the front.
If discovered early, treatment with special eyedrops (pilocarpine) may prevent
blindness. Dosage should be determined by a doctor or health worker who can
measure the eye pressure periodically. Drops must be used for the rest of one’s life.
When possible, eye surgery is usually the surest form of treatment.
Prevention:
Persons who are over 40 years old or have family members who have had glaucoma
should try to have their eye pressure checked once a year.