In December of 2021, 68-year-old supermodel Christie Brinkley underwent eye surgery for the treatment of a serious type of glaucoma, which could have resulted in vision loss if not treated on time.
The supermodel is now raising awareness about adding a yearly eye check up to your routine physical exam to catch any issues in their initial stage. She was diagnosed with acute angle closure, which is a type of glaucoma that can cause vision loss if left untreated.
She posted on Instagram about her diagnosis and credited her yearly eye check up for her early diagnosis.
She also said that the condition is treatable, but the treatment is something that sounds scary. She further wrote that the ophthalmologist treats acute angle closure by drilling a hole through the eye, but it is not as gruesome as it sounds. She also expressed her gratitude about the fact that the early intervention prevented her from losing her vision.
She again warned her fans to keep an eye on any potential eye diseases and to get regular eye check ups for nipping the problem in the bud early on.
What is acute angle closure glaucoma?
There are various types of glaucoma but the acute angle closure type is one of the most dangerous ones out there. According to National Eye Health, the acute angle closure glaucoma occurs when the outer side of the iris, the colored part of the eye, blocks fluid, and it fails to drain out of the eye. As the fluid builds up, the eye pressure increases immediately. If left untreated, the condition can cause blindness within a few days.
The reasons behind the condition could be varying. It could be due to a narrow angle, going from a dark place to a well lit place, or if someone takes a drug that causes pupil dilation. Pupil dilation is a major cause behind acute angle closure glaucoma.
The other type of angle closure glaucoma is the slow type. Also known as the chronic angle closure glaucoma, the fluid buildup and the ensuing pressure on the eye is slower. The symptoms are also less obvious, making it difficult to diagnose.
Here are some of the symptoms of the acute type of glaucoma. It is recommended to take swift action if you face any of these symptoms:
- Sharp eye pain
- An upset stomach
- Blurry vision
- Red eyes
