EYES Flashcards
(198 cards)
What is Glaucoma and why is it dangerous?
Glaucoma is an eye condition where increased intraocular pressure (IOP) damages the optic nerve. It can lead to loss of peripheral vision, central vision loss, and ultimately blindness if untreated.
Mnemonic: “GLOP” – Glaucoma = Loss of Optic Pressure control.
How is intraocular pressure (IOP) measured?
A tiny blast of air is used to measure corneal deflection and determine IOP. Normal range: 12-21 mmHg.
Mnemonic: “IOP 12 to 21” – Remember the time on a clock.
What happens if the canal of Schlemm is blocked?
Aqueous humor can’t drain, increasing IOP and leading to optic nerve damage.
Visual Aid: Think of a blocked sink overflowing with water.
Prevalence of Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma in Canada
It is the 4th leading cause of blindness, affecting ~300,000 people.
Mnemonic: “4th for 300k.”
Symptoms of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision (“tunnel vision”). 2. Often asymptomatic in early stages. 3. No pain or discomfort.
Mnemonic: “Silent Stealer” – steals vision silently.
Symptoms of Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma (AACG)
- Severe eye pain. 2. Blurred vision with halos around lights. 3. Red eye with ciliary flush. 4. Fixed, mid-dilated pupil. 5. Headache, nausea, vomiting.
Mnemonic: “PAINFUL HALO” – Pain, Angle-closure, Increased IOP, Nausea, Fixed pupil, Unilateral, Light Halos.
Symptoms of Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG)
- Optic nerve damage despite normal IOP. 2. Often related to poor blood flow to optic nerve. 3. Slow progression similar to POAG.
Mnemonic: “Normal Pressure, Abnormal Damage.
Pathophysiology of Glaucoma
- Increased IOP → Increased vascular resistance. 2. Decreased blood flow to optic nerve = ischemia. 3. Light → Pupil dilation → Iris bows forward → Blocks drainage.
Mnemonic: “IVDIB” – Increased IOP, Vascular resistance, Decreased perfusion, Iris Bow.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
- Narrow anterior chamber. 2. Prolonged darkness. 3. Pupil-dilating drugs (e.g., anticholinergics). 4. Age > 60. 5. African American heritage. 6. Family history. 7. Trauma or neoplasm. 8. Corticosteroid therapy. 9. Neovascularization. 10. Female sex.
Mnemonic: “N-PPAFT-CNF” – Narrow, Prolonged, Pupils, Age, Family, Trauma, Corticosteroid, Neovascularization, Female.
Subjective Data to Gather for Glaucoma
- When did symptoms start? One or both eyes? 2. Family history of glaucoma? 3. Recent eye trauma, herpes outbreak? 4. Any difficulty with peripheral vision, photophobia, or visual blurring? 5. In children, ask about eye rubbing, refusal to open eyes, tearing.
Mnemonic: “Onset, Vision, Family, Trauma.
Key Physical Exam Findings in Glaucoma
- Blood pressure check. 2. Inspect for redness, discharge, and inflammation. 3. Pupillary response to light. 4. Palpate globe (firmness). 5. Funduscopic exam (notching, cup-to-disc ratio).
Mnemonic: “BIPPF” – BP, Inspect, Pupils, Palpate, Fundus.
Key Diagnostic Tests for Glaucoma
- Visual acuity and peripheral vision. 2. Measure IOP with a tonometer. 3. Slit-lamp exam for corneal changes (oedematous or cloudy).
Mnemonic: “VIP” – Visual acuity, IOP, Peripheral fields.
Differential Diagnoses for Glaucoma
- Acute iritis. 2. Acute bacterial conjunctivitis. 3. Iridocyclitis. 4. Corneal injury. 5. Foreign body. 6. Herpetic keratitis.
Mnemonic: “ICICI” – Iritis, Conjunctivitis, Iridocyclitis, Cornea, Injury.
Glaucoma Management Options
POAG: 1. Prostaglandin analogs (increase outflow). 2. Beta-blockers (reduce aqueous production). 3. Surgery if meds fail (trabeculectomy, shunt). AACG: 1. Acetazolamide IV, Mannitol (reduce IOP). 2. Topical beta-blockers. 3. Laser iridotomy for drainage.
Mnemonic: “GLASS” – Glaucoma Laser And Surgical Solutions.
Complications of Untreated Glaucoma
Blindness
Prostaglandin analogs (increase outflow)
Beta-blockers (reduce aqueous production)
Surgery if meds fail (trabeculectomy, shunt)
AACG treatment
Acetazolamide IV, Mannitol (reduce IOP)
Topical beta-blockers, Laser iridotomy for drainage
Complications of Untreated Glaucoma
Blindness, Loss of peripheral vision (‘tunnel vision’)
Severe vision loss in acute crisis
Red Flag Symptom for Emergency Referral
Sudden severe eye pain, often with headache and nausea
Immediate emergency referral
Referral Criteria for Glaucoma
Immediate for IOP measurement and acute management
Annual follow-up to monitor IOP, Possible surgical intervention (laser peripheral iridectomy)
Canal of Schlemm
A circular channel in the eye that collects aqueous humor from the anterior chamber and drains it into the bloodstream
Blockage leads to increased IOP
Prostaglandin Analogs in Glaucoma
They increase the outflow of aqueous humor, reducing IOP
Examples: Latanoprost, Bimatoprost
Importance of IOP Measurement
Elevated IOP is the primary risk factor for optic nerve damage
Normal range: 10-21 mmHg
What is Hordeolum (Stye)?
A painful, red, swollen bump on the eyelid, caused by a bacterial infection (usually Staphylococcus aureus) of the oil glands in the eyelid. It affects either the hair follicle or the associated glands (Zeis or Moll).
Example sentence: The patient presented with a Hordeolum on their upper eyelid.