Glaucoma

Question 1

What are the types of glaucoma?

Answer 1

Open angle

Closed angle

Question 2

What is glaucoma?

Answer 2

Increased intraocular pressure causing loss of sight

Question 3

What causes open angle glaucoma?

Answer 3

Degeneration and obstruction of trabecular meshwork –> reduced flow of aqueous humour –> increased pressure

Question 4

What is the presentation of open angle glaucoma?

Answer 4

no acute attacks
Gradual visual field loss
Painless
Optic nerve changes

Question 5

What causes closed angle glaucoma?

Answer 5

Iridocorneal angle closes –> aqueous humour cannot be resorbed by trabecular meshwork –> increased pressure

Question 6

How do closed angle glaucoma normally present?

Answer 6

Chronically

10% acutely

Question 7

What is the presentation of acute closed angle glaucoma?

Answer 7

Severe pain- ocular and/or headache
Red, watery eye
Decreased visual acuity
Corneal oedema
Systemic upset

Question 8

What is the management of acute closed angle glaucoma?

Answer 8

Laser iridotomy- allows for drainage

Medical- acetazolomide, pilocarpine

Question 9

What are he complications of acute closed angle glaucoma?

Answer 9

Significant and permanent visual loss

Question 10

What is the presentation of chronic closed angle glaucoma?

Answer 10

Progressive optic nerve damage

Characteristic visual field loss

Question 11

What is the management of chronic closed angle glaucoma?

Answer 11

Laser peripheral iridotomy- allows for drainage

Latanoprost