Glaucoma
Description:
Group of diseases characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure associated with a buildup of aqueous fluid that may cause damage to the retina and the optic nerve and eventually visual field defects if left untreated (progressive).
There are 2 types of glaucoma. The first one is Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. The vast majority of glaucoma patients have primary open angle glaucoma. These patients have a chronic, idiopathic disease associated with progressive degeneration of the anterior optic nerve, known as glaucomatous optic neuropathy. This type originates from cellular dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork tissue, which leads to increased aqueous humor outflow resistance. The second type is closed angle or angle-closure glaucoma, which may present acutely or may be silent and chronic.It originates entirely from blockade of the trabecular meshwork by the peripheral iris, either by simple and reversible anatomical apposition, or pressing together, of the two tissues or by generally irreversible scarring and adhesion.
Functional problems:
Some individuals with this condition may experience the following: fluctuating visual
functioning, peripheral field loss, poor night vision, photophobia, and/or pain or headaches.
Treatments: There are three types of treatments: medicines in the form of eyedrops or pills,laser surgery, and conventional surgery, All are to drain fluid out of the eye.
Sources:
The Most Common Type Of Glaucoma. (2004, October). Retrieved June 28, 2008, from EhealthMD Web site: http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/glaucoma/GLC_type.html
Glossary of Eye Conditions. (2008, May 9). Retrieved June 28, 2008, from American Printing House for The Blind, Inc. Web site: http://www.aph.org/family/ec_glossary.html
Goldberg, S., & Trattler, W. (2005). Visual Disorders. In Ophthalmology Made Ridiculously Simple (3rd ed., pp. 25-27). Miami, FL: MedMaster Inc.
Common Eye Conditions. (2003). Retrieved June 28, 2008, from Slingsby & Wright Eye Care Web site: http://www.yourvisioncare.net/eye_conditions.html
Ouellett, M. L. (Spring 2000). Disability Resources for Teaching Inclusively. Retrieved June 28, 2008, from University of Massachuesetts Amherst Web site http://www.umass.edu/cft/publications/DisabilitiesHandbook.pdf