Glaucoma 3

Question 1

True or False- POAG is the only type of glaucoma that causes visual field defects

Answer 1

False - PACG also causes visual defects

Question 2

What is the treatment for Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)?

Answer 2

All treatment is aimed at lowering IOP

• Hypotensive Drops :

Drops are used to either:

• Reduce aqueous Production
• Increase aqueous Outflow
• Laser Trabeculoplasty Surgery – trabeculectomy/tube or shunt

Question 3

True or False- Both types of Glaucoma, POAG and PACG cause the same type of optic neuropathy

Answer 3

True - they both cause the same signs at the back of the eye

Question 4

True or False- A side effect of eye drops could be Allergic conjunctivitis

Answer 4

True

Question 5

What is Selective laser trabeculoplasty and why is it done?

Answer 5

The delivery of laser to the trabecular meshwork with the aim of enhancing aqueous outflow and thereby lowering IOP.

Question 6

Is selective laser trabeculoplasty a primary treatment (i.e. is it one of the first treatments you use to tackle the problem)?

Answer 6

Yes - studies have shown it may be more successful than eyedrops at lowering IOP

Question 7

What are the two types of gaucoma surgeries a px with POAG can have?

Answer 7

Trabeculectomy - where a new channel is created under the conjunctiva for the outflow of aqueous humour. This forms a BLEB (an infalted region) usually superiorly as it will be covered by the eyelid.

Glaucoma Tube/Shunt surgery

Question 8

What are some examples of eye drops that lower intra-ocular pressure?

Answer 8

Any type of prostaglandin inhibitor e.g.

Latanprost

Question 9

What does it mean when an iris iridotomy is deemed ‘patent’?

Answer 9

It means the hole we made in the iris is open