Pathology Flashcards
what are cataracts?
opacifications within the lens
what is the most common cause of cataracts?
age related
name four risk factors for cataracts
UV exposure
hypertension
smoking
diabetes
what is glaucoma?
abnormal increase in pressure in the eye
what determines pressure in the posterior eye?
the amount of vitreous fluid
what determines pressure in the anterior eye?
the amount of aqueous humour
when does glaucoma occur?
when there is blockage in the drainage of fluid in the eye
what does increased pressure in the eye have the largest consequence for?
optic disc
optic nerve
what are the two types of glaucoma?
primary open angled glaucoma
angle closure glaucoma
what is the most common form of glaucoma?
primary open angled
what causes primary open angled glaucoma?
poor drainage through the trabecular meshwork
what is the onset of primary open angled glaucoma like?
slow and gradual
how does primary open angled glaucoma present?
often asymptomatic
picked up for through screening
what causes angle closure glaucoma?
the iris is opposed to the anterior eye and fluid can get through
how does angle closure glaucoma present?
as an emergency - with acute red eye, visual loss, headache and nausea
