Red Eye 2 - Glaucoma

Question 1

Red Eye, pain, maybe change in Va!

Answer 1

Glaucoma

Question 2

Glaucoma

Answer 2

–  Atrophy of retinal ganglion cell layer in presence of increased
intraocular pressure!
–  Increased IOP has not been defined as causative!
–  Risk factors!
•  Fam Hx glaucoma!
•  Increasing age!
•  DM!
•  Obesity!
•  Hx of Ocular trauma!
–  Leading cause of blindness among African Americans

Question 3

•  Primary open-angle glaucoma!

Answer 3

–  Mc glaucoma!
–  Occurs in 15% of over 80 crowd!
– Anterior Chamber (AC) anatomy appears normal, but
aqueous outflow is reduced!
– Progressive visual field loss begins peripherally and
occurs so slowly Pt may not be aware of it until late in
progress of disease!
–  Intraocular tension is an effective screen!

Question 4

Glaucoma—Pathophysiology!

Answer 4

•  Chronic (Wide-angle) Glaucoma!

Question 5

•  Chronic (Wide-angle) Glaucoma!

Answer 5

–  Common and degenerative in the elderly!
–  Obstruction of canal of Schlemm à diminished
outflow of aqueous humor!
–  Intraocular pressure increases slowly and
asymptomatically!
–  Increased pressure compresses blood flow to retina =
ischemia and damage to retinal cells!
•  As pressure increases, more of the retina and optic disc are
damaged!
–  Damage is irreversible, eventual blindness!