Glaucoma Risk from Stomach Infection

Glaucoma Risk & Stomach Problems
What does a stomach infection have to do with your risk of getting glaucoma? Surprisingly, as it turns out, researchers identified a significant association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of getting primary open-angle glaucoma, according to a study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that causes infection in the stomach. It is found in about two-thirds of the world's population. It may be spread by unclean food and water, but researchers aren't sure. It causes peptic ulcers in your stomach and can also cause stomach cancer. If you have symptoms of a peptic ulcer, your doctor will test your blood, breath or stool to see if it contains H. pylori. Fortunately, it is readily treated with a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medicines and treatment is quite effective.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, has symptoms of a stomach ulcer or acid reflux from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) you should be tested for H. pylori, but you should also have regular eye exams and glaucoma testing. Please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision to schedule an appointment.

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center is leading eye care center in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB Medicine eye doctors and eye specialists.