GLAUCOMA

 DEFINITION

It is a group of disorders characterized by abnormally high intraocular pressure(IOP), optic nerve dystrophy, and peripheral field loss.

 

What causes the glaucoma?

• Ocular hypertension is a condition where the pressure in your eye or IOP,  is too high which leads to damage optic nerve and causes permanent blindness.
• Severe myopia may increase the risk of pathological ocular complications and lead to blinding disorders like glaucoma.
• Ocular surgery may cause a change in the eye pressure, these pressure spikes may lead to blinding disorders like glaucoma.

Is glaucoma hereditary?

Primary open-angle glaucoma is a form of glaucoma and can be inherited. If any of your family members have glaucoma your risk of developing it is significantly higher compared to the population. Having a family history of glaucoma increases the risk by four to nine times.

Classification of glaucoma

1. Open-angle glaucoma
2. Closed-angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma

•       Primary angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. It occurs when the fluid drainage is poor fluid builds up in the eye and internal pressure of the eye goes up.
• Open-angle glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly and has no initial symptoms.

Closed-angle glaucoma

This type of glaucoma is an emergency situation, as the iris itself blocks the drainage angle and results in a sudden increase in pressure. in this immediate treatment is required.

Treatment of Glaucoma

Medical treatment:-

• Beta Adrenergic Blocker used to decrease aqueous humor production.

Cholinergics are used to reduce IOP.
Surgical treatment:-

Argon laser trabeculoplasty