Glaucoma introduction & POAG Flashcards
What is glaucoma?
A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve
Which cells are affected in glaucoma?
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs)
What do RGCs do?
When light enters the eye, RGCs will transmit the info to the brain via their axons which are long fibres that make up the optic nerve. They allow you to see as they send the image to your brain
Why is glaucoma damage irreversible?
RGCs are part of the body’s central nervous system, which does not regenerate once damaged.
What are the types of glaucoma?
Primary:
- POAG
- PACG
- Congenital
Secondary:
1.
What is the most common type of glaucoma?
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
What is Primary glaucoma?
Occurs without any preceding ocular or systemic disease
What is in the ‘open angle describing POAG and how is it measured?
The angle between the cornea and iris measured using van Herrick
What happens is open angle glaucoma?
The aqueous drainage is normal from the posterior chamber, to the pupil into the anterior chamber but the problem is with the trabecular meshwork itself.
What are the demographic risk factors of POAG?
Over 40, afro-caribbean, family history (they have thinner corneas and more vasculopathy)
What are the ocular risk factors of POAG?
High IOP, myopia, thin cornea
What are the sytemic risk factors of POAG?
Diabetes, migraine, raynaud’s
How does the cornea cause a risk for glaucoma?
Thin cornea is linked to thin lamina cribrosa which is more susceptible to damage hence increasing risk of glaucoma
How do the migraines cause a risk for glaucoma?
A link between vasculopathy (disease affecting blood vessels) so those with migraines, raynaud’s and low blood pressure at increased risk. Lack of ocular perfusion around the optic nerve so the blood supply is weaker putting it at risk of damage
What are symptoms of POAG?
Asymptomatic until end stages where they get peripheral field loss
What tests are important to detect glaucoma?
DAFT discs,angle,fields,tonometry
How do you measure IOP?
NCT or GAT
Why is CCT (Central corneal thickness CCT) important?
A thin CCT will result in an underestimation of IOP, whilst a thick CCT will cause an overestimation of IOP
What is normal CCT?
520 Microns