Glaucoma Flashcards
glaucoma
Group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve
leading to impaired vision
glaucoma is usually associated with
raised intra-ocular pressure
in glaucoma, there is a build-up of the aqueous humour fluid
glaucoma normally presents with
Visual field defects.
Changes to the optic nerve head such as pathological cupping
how is glaucoma diagnosed
History
Measurement of ocular pressure with a tonometer
Examination of the iridocorneal angle by gonioscopy, to confirm that an open angle is present
Examination of the optic disc and determination of whether it is
pathologically cupped.
Measurement of visual field using perimetry to judge the extent of peripheral vision loss.
types of glaucoma
primary
secondary
congenital
examples of primary glaucoma
a group of glaucomas that are not secondary to other eye diseases or conditions.
Chronic open angle.
Acute and chronic closed angle
causes of secondary glaucoma
Trauma.
▪ Ocular surgery.
▪ Associated with other ocular disease
(e.g. uveitis).
▪ Raised episcleral venous pressure.
▪ Steroid induced.
congenital glaucoma
rare condition that occurs in infants and children, resulting from abnormal development of the eye’s drainage system
can be primary, secondary to rubella disease, or secondary to inherited ocular disease
primary congenital glaucoma
the most common form, and is often due to genetic factors affecting the eye’s drainage system.
usually affects infants, or children(early childhood)
causes of open angle(primary) Glaucoma
most common form and accounts for 90% of all cases
Outflow Obstruction: The trabecular meshwork becomes less effective at draining aqueous humor, leading to increased IOP.
Genetic Factors: Family history can increase risk.
Age: Risk increases with age, especially in individuals over 40.
Other Risk Factors: Race (higher prevalence in African Americans), myopia (nearsightedness), and certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes).
often asymptomatic, characterised by visual loss
