Glaucoma Flashcards
is a group of eye conditions characterized by progressive damage of the optic nerve
Glaucoma
Second leading cause of blindness worldwide
Glaucoma
What causes glaucoma?
Mainly caused by persistent elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP)
What’s the normal IOP?
10-21 mmHg
What’s the diagnostic test for Glaucoma?
Tonometry
It is a diagnostic test that provides IOP by measuring the pressure needed to flatten the cornea
Tonometry
Precautions during tonometry
-Anesthetic eyedrops are instilled prior to procedure
- Patient should not hold breath during procedure as this may overestimate IOP
What are the Risk Factors of Glaucoma?
-African American Race
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes
- Family History of Glaucoma
- Migraine syndromes
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Older Age
- Previous eye trauma
- Prolonged use of topical or systemic corticosteroids
- Thin cornea
-Nutrient-filled fluid produces in the posterior chamber and drains in the anterior chamber
- Its volume directly influences the IOP
Aqueous Humor
-Mainly Water
- Maintains the shape of the eye
Vitreous Humor
Factors affecting AH drainage
-Angle created by the iris and cornea
- Integrity of the drainage system
The process of the normal pathway from production to drainage of aqueous humor
-Ciliary body produces AH
- AH passes through the pupil into the anterior chamber
- AH drains through the trabecular meshwork into Canal of Schlemm
What maintains a normal IOP?
An equal input to output volume of Aqueous Humor maintains a normal IOP.
Anterior Chamber Angle of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
Open
Drainage System of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
Obstructed