Glaucoma

Question 1

What is a glaucoma?

Answer 1

progressive optic neuropathy due to abnormal increased intraocular pressure
pressure is related to vitreous fluid and anterior aqueous humour - which normally drains through the trabecular meshwork
glaucomas are caused by any distruption of the flow of aqueous humour

Question 2

Describe the presentation of a primary open angle glaucoma?

Answer 2

slow onset

sometimes incidental finding as often asymptomatic

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology behind a primary open angle glaucoma?

Answer 3

poor drainage through the canal of schlemm or trabecular meshwork

Question 4

Describe the presentaton of acute angle closure glaucoma?

Answer 4

normally presents as an emergency with severe headaches, vomiting, acute red eye

Question 5

What can acute angle closure glaucome result in?

Answer 5

loss of sight

Question 6

What is the pathophysiology behind an acute angle closed glaucoma?

Answer 6

anatomy of eye is not normal - peirpheral iris bows forward and obstructs the trabecular meshwork due to aqueous humour encountering increased resistance through the iris channel

Question 7

How is an acute angle closed glaucoma treated?

Answer 7

lower IOP with drops/oral medication

zapping the iris with a laser

Question 8

What are the signs of an open angle glaucoma?

Answer 8

cupped disc
visual field defect
may/may not have high IOP

Question 9

What are the signs of a closed angle glaucoma?

Answer 9

red eye
cloudy cornea
dilated pupil
circumcorneal injection