Anatomy of the Eye
Medical Author:
Lauri Graham
Medical Editor:
Richard W Allinson, MD
Medical Editor:
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Medical Editor:
Robert H Graham, MD
Eye Anatomy IntroductionEven though the eye is small, only about 1 inch in diameter, it serves a very important function - your sense of sight. Vision is arguably the most used of the 5 senses and is one of the primary means that we use to gather information from our surroundings. |
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Anatomy of the Eye
Glaucoma Overview
Glaucoma refers to certain eye diseases that affect the optic nerve and cause vision loss. Most, but not all, of these diseases typically produce elevated pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). Normal IOP is measured in millimeters of mercury and can range from 10-21 mm Hg. An elevated IOP is the most important risk factor for the development of glaucoma.
Elevated IOP is sometimes called ocular hypertension. If your doctor diagnoses ocular hypertension, it does not mean you have glaucoma, but it does mean you are at a higher risk for developing the condition, and you should see an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery) frequently.
Half of the people with glaucoma are usually unaware of it until a serious loss of vision has occurred.
Many factors are associated with an increased risk of developing glaucoma, some of which are elevated IOP, a family history, ethnic background,...
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