Till recently, high eye pressure alone was synonymous with the diagnosis of glaucoma, but now it is known that nearly one-third of the patients with glaucoma may have normal ocular pressure. High ocular pressure is considered a modifiable risk factor. People who are shortsighted, diabetic or are related to someone who suffered from glaucoma should have periodic eye screening for glaucoma. This is metabolically the most active tissue in the body. Leafy vegetables and fresh fruits give protection against dry type of macular degeneration, while intake of vitamins and micronutrients in the form of pills or capsules have no such benefit.
Smoking is a major risk factor.
Very often involvement of one eye goes unnoticed and detected accidentally on closing the normal eye. Such an event would indicate the appearance of blood or fluid under the yellow spot. In early stages, laser treatment by a retina specialist can limit the extent of damage. At the very worst, an old person may lose central vision in both eyes which necessitates the use of magnifying glasses or even videomagnifier. Apart from difficulty in reading, recognising people, driving or crossing a busy road, there is no major handicap in moving around the house.