Have you ever felt like your eyes were leaking all the sadness and frustration in the world into a puddly state just so you could lie down and feel a bit better? If so, then you know exactly what I am talking about. This is when you have the rare genetic disorder known as primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). It’s a pretty extreme case, but this is the unique experience many people with PCG have to deal with. It’s a form of glaucoma which is mostly found in babies and young children. If you’re curious as to what it is, here’s a quick tutorial on what primary congenital glaucoma is and the role tears play in your health.
What Is Primary Congenital Glaucoma?
If you’re not really sure what PCG is, here’s a quick primer. The syndrome causes damage to the optic nerve which in turn leads to sight loss. This is because the pressure inside the eyeball becomes so great that it starts damaging the optic nerve. The good news is that there is usually an obvious and treatable cause for this condition – mostly genetic but also including several other factors like fetal alcohol syndrome and Down syndrome – and it’s manageable through medication and surgery. The damage is usually found in the first few years of life and patients will require lifelong monitoring and management by an ophthalmologist. However, there are some people who develop this condition later in life and in which case, it can be slightly more complex to treat. Nevertheless, with early detection and treatment, the outcome for these individuals is extremely good and they can have a normal lifespan despite having this condition.
Why Are Tears Important?
Oddly enough, tears are important for more than one reason. First of all, the moisture they provide is critical for maintaining healthy skin. Now, while the skin is quite the opposite in that it gets damaged rather easily, the pressure inside the eye is a completely different matter. It’s a common misconception that tears cause eye pressure to rise. In reality, it is the eye pressure which causes the eyes to produce more tears – it’s a sort of feedback loop. Tearing is actually quite a common occurrence in both children and adults alike, which can be a sign that something is wrong or right with your health. People who suffer from glaucoma will often confuse the root of their problems with tears. They will think that if they stop crying, their glaucoma will magically get better. Sadly, this is a fallacy as tears are important for so many other reasons.
The Role of Tears In Your Health
Aside from keeping your skin moisturized and preventing skin infections, tears play an essential role in maintaining a healthy immune system. In addition, they help lubricate the eyes, which prevents irritation and makes the eyes more comfortable and accessible for children and young people. Some studies have also shown that people who suffer from allergies or other sorts of respiratory problems have worse eye health because of the tears they produce. This is due to the fact that the tears act as a natural cleanser for the eyes and help eliminate various irritants like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander which can provoke allergic responses in some people. In short, if you’re allergic to anything, you’re going to have problems with your eyesight due to PCG. This is because the pressure in the eye builds up and allows more stuff to enter the eye, which in turn causes even more pressure.
What Is The Difference Between Congenital And Acquired Glaucoma?
As mentioned above, primary congenital glaucoma is a condition where the optic nerve is damaged from birth. This is in contrast to acquired glaucoma, which is more common in older people and occurs when the optic nerve is damaged from outside factors like trauma or an infection. In most cases, the damage is permanent and in some people, it can even lead to blindness. However, with early detection and treatment, the outcome for people with PCG is extremely promising.
Are You Cured Of Glaucoma?
Surprisingly, no. Even though you may have had a successful surgery or acquired a new lens which corrected your vision, you will always be at risk of glaucoma developing again. The risk increases with age and in some cases, it can be triggered by a minor injury or inflammation. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have regular eye exams and treatment as soon as possible. There is also the option of getting a pacemaker or heart surgery to reduce your risk of sudden blindness due to an heart attack or stroke. These are the two most serious complications associated with PCG and it is very important to have proper documentation of your condition and eye exams before and after any surgical procedures.
Where Can I Get Help?
If you’re interested in getting help for PCG, you’ll first need to establish whether or not this is a condition which is curable. While there is no guarantee that PCG will ever go away completely, there are various treatments which can relieve the symptoms and protect your eyesight. The best thing to do is to consult with a reputable ophthalmologist who can properly diagnose and treat your condition. In addition, you should also ask about available support groups and educational forums for PCG which can help you and your doctor establish a treatment plan. It’s also a good idea to review the literature on this topic and see whether or not there is any specific medications, diet changes, or other forms of treatment which may help your situation. In the end, nobody knows how much time they have left, so it’s important to find a treatment plan which suits your needs and the nature of your condition.