Prepared by Katherine Trimm

Prepared by Katherine Trimm

Glaucoma

Description:

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in adults. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. In the onset of the condition, there may be no symptoms and half of the people who have it may be unaware. The anterior chamber between the cornea and the iris houses aqueous fluid which bathes and nourishes the anterior part of the eye. When this fluid does not drain quickly enough, eye pressure builds up. The vision loss is caused from damage to the optic nerve due to pressure build-up which closes the fragile arteries supplying the optic nerve, causing the fibers to die.The nerve damage initially affects peripheral vision, but eventually can cause blindness.

Those with the highest risk for glaucoma include African-Americans over age 40, everyone over age 60, especially Mexican-Americans, and people with a family history of glaucoma.

The two main types of Glaucoma are Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), and Angle Closure Glaucoma.

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG):

POAG is the most common form of Glaucoma. The eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time causing inner eye pressure, also called intraocular pressure (IOP), to rise because the correct amount of fluid cannot drain out of the eye. While the entrance to the drainage canals are clear, the clogging problem occurs further inside the drainage canals where the cornea and iris meet. If not diagnosed and treated, POAG can cause gradual loss of vision. This form of glaucoma develops slowly over time with vision loss less noticeable.

Angle Closure Glaucoma:

This type of glaucoma is also known as acute glaucoma or narrow angle glaucoma. Symptoms may include headaches, eye pain, nausea, rainbows around the lights at night, and very blurred vision. Unlike POAG, it is more rare and quite different. In this form of glaucoma, the eye pressure usually rises very quickly. The drainage canals get blocked or covered over. With this condition, the iris is not as wide and open as it should be. The outer edge of the iris bunches up over the drainage canals, when the pupil enlarges too much or too quickly. This can happen when entering a dark room. A test is done to see if the angle is normal and wide or abnormal and narrow. Angle closure glaucoma is treated with surgery to remove a small portion of the outer edge of the iris. This helps unblock the draiage canals so that he extra fluid can drain. This surgery is usually successful, although regular check-ups are needed.

Childhood Glaucoma:

Childhood glaucoma is also referred to as congenital glaucoma, pediatric, or infantile glaucoma, and occurs in babies and young children. This is usually diagnosed in the child’s first year. The condition is rare and may be inherited, caused by incorrect development of the eye’s drainage system before birth, leading to increased IOP, which in turn damages the optic nerve. Symptoms include enlarged eyes, excessive tearing, cloudiness of the cornea, and photosensitivity (sensitivity to light). Childhood glaucoma may be treated surgically or with medication. If the case is uncomplicated, surgery can correct the structural defects successfully. In some cases, medication and surgery are required. Although the lost vision cannot be restored, the remaining vision in the child can be optimized.

Prognosis:

There is no cure for glaucoma. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease, as vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible. The condition can be detected during routine eye examinations which dilate the pupils.

Sources:

(2008, Sept. 4). What is Glaucoma?. Retrieved July 5, 2009, from Glaucoma Research Foundation Web site:

(2008). Glaucoma Screening. Retrieved July 5, 2009, from The Eye Emporium Web site:

(2007, March 6). Common Eye conditions: Glaucoma. Retrieved July 5, 2009, from Stuart Macfarlane Optometrist Web site:

(2009). Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments. Retrieved July 5, 2009, from Empowered Doctor Web site:

(2006, April). Glaucoma. Retrieved July 5, 2009, from National Eye Institute Web site: