Glaucoma Flashcards
What is glaucoma?
Progressive deterioration of the optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer.
What are the characteristics of primary open angle glaucoma?
- Increased resistance to aqueous humor drainage due to trabecular network dysfunction = increased IOP.
- Increased IOP is only partially a factor, other factors are not totally understood (autoimmune, ischemic changes, etc.).
- Vision loss takes several years (variable)
- Usually treated with topical mediations (eye drops)
What are the characteristics of primary angle closure glaucoma?
- Drainage pathway is obstructed by the forward bowing of the iris (physical blockage of the trabecular meshwork).
- Vision loss over course of days = emergency situation!!
- Requires surgery to treat.
What are the risk factors for open angle glaucoma?
Elevated IOP >21 mmHg
Older age
Family history
Diabetes (T2DM)
Low blood pressure
Hypothyroidism
Obstructive sleep apnea
Steroid use
Cardiovascular disease
Thin central cornea
Myopia (nearsightedness)
What are the risk factors for closed angle glaucoma?
Asian heritage
Alaskan heritage
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Medications
What drugs can cause medication-induced open angle glaucoma?
Glucocorticoids
Atropine
Succinylcholine
What drugs can cause medication-induced closed angle glaucoma?
Antidepressants
Anticholinergics
Adrenergics
Sulfonamides
Diuretics
Topiramate
How may some of the symptoms present in open angle glaucoma?
Symptoms are slow to present, and are often asymptomatic until vision loss.
* Blind spots over time
* Loss of contrast sensitivity
* Affects both eyes
True/false: Increased IOP is indicative of glaucoma.
False. IOP can be increased or normal in glaucoma. You can have increased IOP without glaucoma (ocular hypertension).
How may some of the symptoms present in closed angle glaucoma?
- Blurred/hazy vision, halos, ocular pain
- HA
- N/V, abdominal pain
- Diaphoresis (extreme sweating)
What objective finding is found in PACG?
Acute hyperemic conjunctiva
What are the potential symptoms of acute hyperemic conjunctiva?
- Redness
- Increased blood flow
- Cloudy cornea
- Shallow anterior chamber
- Hyperemic optic disc
- Marked elevation in IOP (40-90 mmHg) in acute ACG
- Disk changes and vision loss in chronic ACG, IOP can be normal or elevated
What is the main goal for treatment of POAG?
Preservation of visual function through reduction in IOP.
What general IOP mmHg is desired?
<21 mmHg
Some patients may need a lower mmHg target. Why? What is this target?
- Greater levels of glaucoma damage, advanced disease, or continued damage at a higher IOP goal.
- <10 mmHg
What percentage of IOP reduction is desired?
20-30%
When is a greater percentage reduction of IOP desired? What is the percentage?
- Patients with higher baseline IOP.
- 40-50%
Reduction goals should be balanced with what?
Treatment-related toxicity/symptoms and QOL
What two classes are considered first line for POAG?
Prostaglandin analogs and beta blockers
If the two first line classes are contraindicated, what can be used instead?
Brimonidine (alpha 2 agonist) or topical CAI
What should be done if there is an inadequate response at 2-4 weeks?
- Ensure adherence
- Discuss nasolacrimal occlusion, eye closure (techniques for administration)
- Partial response = consider increased frequency or concentration or add second agent
- No response = switch to alternative
What should be done if there is intolerance to a first line agent?
- Reduce concentration if can
- Switch formulation, switch to alternative agent in same class, or switch alternative first line agent
What should be done if there is an inadequate response to monotherapy?
- Ensure adherence
- No response = alternative first line topical agent
- Partial response = add second or third first line agent or topical CAI (may need up to 2-4 agents!)
What should be done if there is an inadequate response to multiple first/second line agents or topical combination therapy?
- Ensure adherence
- Consider direct-acting cholinergic agent (4th line)
- Consider oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor in place of topical CAI (short term use)
What is the name of the laser surgical treatment option for POAG?
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
How should treatment be initiated?
Monotherapy
* Can start in one eye if concerns for drug tolerability or efficacy
When should IOP be checked after treatment initiation?
4-6 weeks
Once IOP reaches target level, how frequently should it be monitored?
Every 3-4 months
* Can go longer if prolonged control without disease progression
When should IOP be monitored more frequently?
- Target IOP not achieved
- Disease progression is noted
- Any change in drug therapy
When should visual fields and disk changes be monitored?
Every 6-12 months
What is tachyphylaxis and why is it a concern?
Progressive decrease in response after repeated administration.
* Initial IOP response does not predict long term control (may wane over time)
What is the main goal for treatment of acute angle-closure crisis?
Rapid IOP reduction to preserve vision
What is the definitive treatment for AACC?
Laser or surgical iridotomy (may use drug therapy to rapidly decrease IOP beforehand)
What are the drug options for AACC?
- Miotics (pilocarbine)
- Secretory inhibitors (BBs, alpha-2 agonists, topical/systemic CAIs, or prostaglandin)
- Osmotic agents (most rapid decrease in IOP, oral glycerin, IV mannitol)
- Topical steroid (reduced ocular inflammation)
What is the MOA of prostaglandin analogs?
Increase uveoscleral and trabecular outflow of aqueous humor.
What line of therapy are PGF2a analogs?
First line
What is the dosing of PGF2a analogs?
Once daily at bedtime; 24 hour IOP control
How does IOP reduction of PGF2a analogs compare to beta blockers?
Superior
How is the tolerability and cost of PGF2a analogs?
Good tolerability (less systemic effects), low cost
What is brand name of latanoprost?
Xalatan
What is the brand name of bimatoprost?
Lumigan, Latisse
What is a common side effect of PGF2a analogs?
- Altered iris pigmentation - usually seen in people with brown eyes, not reversible, no harm
- Hypertrichosis (excessive growth/thickening) of eyelashes - reverses when discontinued, no harm
- Loss of periorbital fat - sunken eye, no harm
What are some of the rarer side effects of PGF2a analogs?
- Punctate corneal erosions
- Conjunctival hyperemia
True/false: PGF2a analogs can be used in combination with other antiglaucoma agents.
True - effective as both a monotherapy and adjunct
What is the contraindication for PGF2a analogs?
Avoid in patients with herpes simplex keratitis
What is the brand name of latanoprostene bunod?
Vyzulta
What is Vyzulta approved for?
OAG and OHT
What is the MOA of Vyzulta?
Dual MOA! Latanoprost prodrug and metabolized to a nitric-oxide moiety.
How does the IOP reduction of Vyzulta compare to latanoprost alone?
Greater reduction
What is durysta?
Bimatoprost implant
What is the dosage of durysta?
10 mcg dissolvable impant
How long does durysta reduce IOP?
About 15 weeks