Don’t go blind: Dr. Hitesh Patel of Edison, New Jersey speaks about glaucoma

Blindness is a serious – and scary - condition. And the leading cause of vision loss among Americans is glaucoma. Dr. Hitesh Patel, Edison, New Jersey-based ophthalmologist, advises several steps for you to not become a victim of this so-called “silent thief of sight.”

Dr. Hitesh Patel EdisonPhoto Credit: Eabceyes.com

Glaucoma is caused by the buildup of pressure inside the eye called intraocular pressure. This can damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye that is responsible for sending messages to the brain. What makes it dangerous is the fact that very few symptoms are felt until considerable damage to the optic nerve has caused a noticeable effect on your vision. If it remains untreated, glaucoma may ultimately lead to permanent loss of sight. Thus, it is advised that you take regular glaucoma screenings at least twice a year after you reach 40.

Dr. Hitesh Patel EdisonPhoto Credit: Salon.com

There are two types of glaucoma identified by ophthalmologists like Dr. Hitesh Patel of Edison, depending on the cause of the condition. Primary open-angle glaucoma occurs when fluid does not flow through your eye’s drainage channels very well. Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the angle between your cornea and iris is too narrow, or when your pupil opens too wide, so that fluid is prevented from flowing through your eyes’ drainage channels.

From Profile Photos

Symptoms of glaucoma include the gradual loss of peripheral vision, eye pain, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, halos around lights, and redness. In cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, symptoms are generally not felt until the condition becomes serious enough to your affect vision. It is important to go to a doctor once you start experiencing these symptoms.




More information is available at www.pateleyeassociates.com.