Glaucoma Flashcards
What is the pathophysiology of Glaucoma?
Change in aqueous humor outflow (DEC’d elimination or INC’d production of aqueous humor) that results in INC’d intraocular pressure (IOP)
Will lead to optic nerve atrophy and consequentally progressive loss of vision
What are the different classifications of Glaucoma?
- Open-angle
- Angle-closure (Closed-angle glaucoma, CAG)
- Congenital
What is the pathophysiology of Open-angle glaucoma?
- Angle of the anterior chamber remains open in the eye
- Filtration of aqueous humor is gradually diminished because of the tissues of the angle (Results in DEC’d elimination of aqueous humor as it passes through the meshwork, thus elevating IOP)
What is the pathophysiology of Closed-angle glaucoma?
- Characterized by shallow anterior chamber and narrow angle
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- Filtration of aqueous humor is compromised (result of papillary blockage)
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- Aqueous humor accumulates and presses the lens forward
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- DEC drainage (possible complete bockage)
What is the pathophysiology of Congenital glaucoma?
Usually a result of defective development of structures in and around chamber of the eye (aqueous humor impairment)
Why is tonometry diagnostically important?
Tonometry helps SCREEN for IOP (Elevated IOP is diagnostic of glaucoma)
Why is Direct Ophthalmoscopy (slit-lamp examination) diagnostically important?
Direct Ophthalmoscopy is required to accurately evaluate the eye for changes in the optic nerve
What is a normal lab value for IOP? Critical values?
NML: 10-20 mmHg
Medical Emergency: >60 mmHg
What should be monitored for patients with Glaucoma? How often should patients be reassessed?
- INC’d IOP
- Medication adherence
- Intial re-assessment: every 2-4 weeks until optimal IOP
- Yealy examinations: 65+ Y/O (Part of routine eye examination)
What is the clincal presentation of glaucoma?
Develops slowly; may present only with minor symptoms (i.e. HA, mild eye pain)
What symptoms are specific to the clinical presentation of Acute CAG?
Blurred vision
Severe ocular pain
Possible N/V
What is the primary goal of treatment for Open-angle glaucoma?
DEC IOP (will reduce progression of vision loss)
What medications are available that may DEC rate of aqueous humor production? (identify general categories)
- Alpha-adrenergic agonist
- Beta-blockers
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibtors
What medications are available that may INC rate of outflow (drainage) of aqueous humor?
- Prostaglandins
- Alpha-adrenergic agonists
- Cholionergic agents
What are non-pharmacological therapies for open-angle glaucoma?
- Laser (1st LINE with medications)
- Surgical procedure