Patients with certain vascular
diseases may be more difficult to treat if they develop a type of glaucoma
called Normal Tension Glaucoma. Normal Tension Glaucoma, although a less common
eye disease, still causes optic nerve eye damage as the intraocular pressure
inside the eye, although “normal”, still results in the loss of visual field
vision or “side vision.” The disease is further complicated if an eye patient
also has vascular disease, or if vascular diseases such as stroke,
cardiovascular disease or migraines run in their family. This connection was
reported by researchers at the World
Glaucoma Congress. In fact,
these factors related to vascular disease may indicate less effectiveness of
eye pressure (IOP) treatment putting patients at greater risk.
The the Collaborative
Normal Tension Glaucoma Study is the landmark study for guiding treatment-in which 65% of patients in
the untreated group of that study never showed any progression during 7 years
of follow-up. But, for those at greater risk due to some other vascular disease
we have to be diligent in our examinations and testing to help preserve eye
health and vision.
If you or someone you know has
vascular disease or is concerned about their risk of glaucoma please call 205-930-0930
or visit Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center or visit
www.facebook.com/michelsonlaservision to schedule and eye exam and glaucoma
evaluation.
Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands,
1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205
