BCSC Glaucoma Flashcards
What is a working definition of glaucoma?
A group of diseases that share a common characteristic optic neuropathy with associated visual field loss. Elevated IOP is one of the primary risk factors
What is the commonly accepted normal range for IOP?
10-22 mmHg
What are the 3 primary factors that determine IOP?
1) rate of aqueous production by ciliary body, 2) resistance to aqueous outflow across TM, 3) episcleral venous pressure
What is the most common cause of increased IOP?
increased resistance to aqueous outflow
What is a primary glaucoma?
A glaucoma not associated with known ocular or systemic disorders that cause increased resistance to aqueous outflow or angle closure.
Are primary glaucomas usually bilateral or unilateral?
bilateral
What is the presumed etiology of open angle glaucoma?
an abnormality in the TM ECM in the juxtacanalicular region
What is the estimated incidence of POAG?
2.4 million/year worldwide
What is the race ratio of POAG (African descent : Caucasian)?
4:1
What are the known risk factors for development of POAG?
1) elevated IOP, 2) advanced age, 3) decreased corneal thickness, 4) race, 5) FHx
What racial group has the highest known prevalence of PACG?
Inuit populations from Arctic regions. 20-40x higher than for whites, putting the prevalence at 2 - 4%.
What is the gender ratio of incidence of acute angle closure glaucoma?
4:1 female to male
In what age range is acute angle closure glaucoma most common?
55-65 years
Is the AC deeper or shallower in women than in men?
shallower AC in women
Is the AC deeper or shallower in hyperopes than myopes or emmetropes?
shallower in hyperopes
What is the prevalence of glaucoma in siblings of patients with POAG?
10%
What is the Goldmann equation for IOP?
An equation summarizing the relationship between aqueous production (F), outflow facility (C), and episcleral venous pressure (P_v).
P_0 = (F/C) + P_v
Where is aqueous humor formed?
In the ciliary processes, each of which is composed of a double layer of epithelium over a core of stroma and a rich supply of fenestrated capillaries. In particular, it is thought that aqueous production is localized to the inner non-pigmented epithelial cells.
How many ciliary processes are there?
approximately 80
What are the two epithelial layers covering the ciliary processes?
1) Outer pigmented, 2) inner non-pigmented
How are the ciliary epithelial layers oriented?
apical sides face each other
Into which chamber do the inner non-pigmented epithelial cells protrude?
posterior chamber
By what are the ciliary epithelial layers joined?
tight junctions
What is the common unit of measure for aqueous flow?
microliters per minute