Glaucoma is the number one cause of blindness. It is a disease which gradually increases pressure within the eye, causing a slow and steady loss of sight. It is treatable, however, it must be treated upon an early onset. As it progresses, it may become more untreatable and lead to blindness. However, it is not typically a stand-alone disease. Usually it is a symptom or result of another disease that effects how the body properly allows the eye to drain fluid and is typically related to the body’s ability to handle sugar. Here are five of the most common diseases associated with glaucoma.
Type II Diabetes and Glaucoma
Type II Diabetes is an adult onset of diabetes that is directly related to your lifestyle. It is the result of poor diet and/or intense stress. Type II Diabetes impairs a person’s ability to process insulin and process sugar properly. Many people with Type II Diabetes will develop glaucoma as it is related to your body’s ability to process sugar, thereby making it difficult for the eye to properly drain fluids and function properly.
Hypertension and Glaucoma
High blood pressure is also known to be linked to glaucoma. Glaucoma is a buildup of pressure in the eye. Therefore, the buildup of blood pressure can add to the buildup in pressure in the eye. Any untreated hypertension can lead to this eye disease if it remains untreated.
Glaucoma and HIV
HIV, or any type of autoimmune disease can directly affect your eyes, as well as other areas of your body. An autoimmune disease decreases the ability of the body to fight off illness and function properly. As a result, pressure can build in the eye, or glaucoma can occur, as the body’s ability to fight infection is impaired.
Alcoholism and Glaucoma
Alcohol is linked to many ailments. However, one of the lesser known ailments linked to alcoholism is glaucoma. Alcohol has been known to decrease pressure in the eye for short periods of time. However, if a person intakes large amounts of alcohol on a daily basis, the body begins to experience ailments that create issues with insulin production, immunity, and even high blood pressure. As a result, it creates a prime breeding ground for it by inhibiting the body’s ability to decrease the pressure in the eye as needed.
Multiple Sclerosis and Glaucoma
Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammation of the nerves. It also affects the immune system and the overall functionality of the human body. As a result, MS has been shown to be linked to glaucoma. MS creates an environment within the body that allows pressure to build up in the eye, and when left untreated, can lead to complete blindness.
If you have any one of these ailments or feel an increased pressure in your eye, it is best to speak with your eye doctor. Through a series of specialized examinations, your eye doctor can determine whether you are developing glaucoma and how to begin treatment. If are looking for an expert eye doctor in the area to help you with issues relating to eye wellness and glaucoma, contact the experts at Rittenhouse Eye Associates at (215)-525-6821.
