Archived Glaucoma Articles
The Famous Air Puff Test
It tickles and may often times feel funny. But the air puff test is an important screening mechanism to detect abnormally high eye pressure. It works on the principle that air bounces back faster off a firm eyeball versus a soft one with lesser pressure. High pressure readings on the air puff test warrants further evaluation by an ophthalmologist as it can be associated with a condition called glaucoma which robs us of our peripheral vision. If glaucoma is detected early than there are a multitude of treatment options aimed at slowing the condition down. Groups especially advised to be screened for glaucoma include those with a family history of the condition, people who have diabetes, and individuals who wear glasses in order to see far clearly. In addition glaucoma tends to be more prevalent in African Americans and Hispanics over the age of 40. It is important to note that glaucoma affects over 3 million Americans. There are millions more that do not know they have it making it very important for one to have regular eye examinations in order to achieve early detection and consequently treatment.
Combigan: New Breakthrough Therapy For Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes loss of peripheral vision. It is believed that the major factor leading to progression of the disease is high eye pressure. This increased pressure acts to damage the delicate nerve in the back of the eye that we see with, the optic nerve. Ophthalmologists only have a handful of options when it comes to managing glaucoma with eye drops that lower pressure. In fact, there are just four major classes of eye drops that may be used: prostaglandins, beta blockers, carbonic acid inhibitors, and alpha agonists. These drops are often used in conjunction such as in cases of advanced glaucoma where the goal is to keep the eye pressure as low as possible. This can create a situation where a patient may end of taking multiple eye drops every day. To alleviate this strain, Combigan was created by Allergan, the same company that produces Botox Cosmetic. Combigan combines medications from two of the aforementioned classes of glaucoma therapy drops. This is less taxing on glaucoma patients because it reduces the number of eye drops they potentially have to take in a day. As a result compliance and quality of life both improve. Because glaucoma does not have any symptoms until late in the disorder it is often advised that people who have a family history or those over age 40 be screened for glaucoma at their ophthalmologist office. The earlier glaucoma is diagnosed the better the opportunity to keep the disease from progressing.
