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Reducing the Risk of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that affects millions of people throughout the world. As we age, the risk of developing the condition naturally increases. However, there are things that can be done to lessen your chances of developing Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in this country.

Facts and Factors Many eye specialists, medical experts, and Austin ophthalmologists have been working to determine patterns in patients who develop Glaucoma that might point to a possible cure or prevention method. There have been certain risk factors determined, which, at least, make it easier for doctors to determine which patients must be tracked most closely.

Aging As previously mentioned, advancing age immediately puts a person on an increased risk list.

Ethnicity As with many diseases, Glaucoma appears to favor certain ethnicities. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans each have higher risk of obtaining certain forms of this eye disease. The first population is five times more likely to be diagnosed with is that their white American counterparts. Black individuals diagnosed with the disease are also four times more likely to suffer blindness as a result.

Genetics There does appear to be a direct genetic link when it comes to Glaucoma. A person with a family member suffering from the condition is considered a high risk patient by most glaucoma specialists in Austin.

Myopia and Corneal Thickness Patients diagnosed with extreme nearsightedness are also more likely to succumb to Glaucoma symptoms. While all corneas are thin, some individuals have an unusually thin tissue, which makes that three times more likely to be diagnosed with Glaucoma at some point in their lifetimes.

Diabetes Perhaps the most talked about risk factor for Glaucoma is Diabetes. This condition that can wreak havoc on several areas of the body is especially significant when it comes to eye health. An eye doctor for diabetes is an essential team member as soon as a diagnosis is made. He or she will carefully track any signs of commonly associated eye conditions, including glaucoma.

High Intraocular Pressure Glaucoma is a condition that is caused by increased pressure in the eye, so it only makes sense that when this symptom is found by eye doctors it is considered a major red flag.

Previous Injuries The eye is a fairly fragile part of the body. When it suffers injury, many things can go wrong. Even a minor black eye can play a significant part in increasing one’s risk of glaucoma.

Prevention Tactics The most important thing that one should do to avoid complications associated with this condition is to have regular eye exams glaucoma and cataract specialists are always on hand to see and treat this condition, but they have a much better chance of preventing serious problems if the condition is caught early. In the meantime, wearing eye protection when playing contact sports or when working with airborne objects can defend against injury. It is also important to practice a healthy lifestyle, including a proper diet and regular exercise. Only this can help a person avoid diabetes and the many associated conditions that follow.

Ophthalmologist Austin TX
Broberg Eye Care
4207 James Casey St # 305
Austin, TX 78745-1193
(512) 447-6096

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