Disorders of the Anterior Chamber Flashcards
What produces aqueous fluid?
The ciliary body
Where does the aqueous fluid drain?
into the anterior chamber through the pupil
What type of fluid is aqueous
watery fluid
What type of fluid is vitreous
gelatinous fluid
Where is aqueous fluid absorbed
Through the trabecular network and the canal of schlemm
What are the primary disorders of the anterior chamber
Glaucoma
Hyphema
Uveitis or Iritis
What is the normal cup to disc ratio
< 0.3
What is abnormal cup to disc ratio
> 0.3
What elevation is glaucomatous cupping
at 0.6 or >
Open Angle Glaucoma Etiology
imbalance between aqueous production and aqueous absorption
Open Angle Glaucoma Symptoms
- asymptomatic until late in the disease – screening is VERY important
- decreased vision is a late sign
Open Angle Glaucoma Signs
- elevated IOP
- Optic nerve cupping of 0.6 or > (glaucomatous cupping)
Open Angle Glaucoma Workup
- Eye specialist usually does routine screening since most pts are asymptomatic
- Eyes with a narrow chamber angle should not be dilated with drops – will increase risk of acute angle closure glaucoma
- Chamber depth can be checked with tangential lighting of anterior chamber (will teach in Pt Assessment)
- Marcus-Gunn pupil is late finding
Open Angle Glaucoma Tx
Medication – Timoptic gtts etc
If medical Tx fails – surgery laser or incisional
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma Symptoms
Sudden onset Unilateral blurry vision *Haloes seen around lights* Intense ocular pain and photophobia *Nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis*
