Pathophysiology Flashcards
(12 cards)
Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes…
Progressive degeneration of the optic nerve
Loss of nerve tissue leads to gradual, irreversible vision loss… leading to blindness
Routine eye examinations are important for…
Early detection and treatment
Glaucoma undiagnosed in ~50% of cases
Glaucoma is essentially a case of…
Increased intraocular pressure
Build up of aqueous humour fluid, or issue with trabecular meshwork (drains aqueous humour)
Primary open-angle glaucoma is when…
There is increased production or decreased drainage of aqueous fluid within the eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve
Most common
In the early stages, primary open-angle glaucoma can only be diagnosed via…
Eye exam
By the time vision is impaired, the damage is irreversible
Some risk factors for open-angle glaucoma include…
Elevated intraocular pressure
Age, family history
Vascular conditions
Eye trauma, previous surgery
Corticosteroids
Angle-closure glaucoma is considered…
A medical emergency
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when…
The iris bulges forward to block the drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris
Aqueous fluid cannot drain, causing acute severe increased intraocular pressure
Treatment of angle-closure glaucoma is via…
Eye drops/oral medications acutely to lower intraocular pressure
Laser surgery ASAP to widen drainage angle
Signs and symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma include…
Severe eye pain
Eye redness
Blurred vision, haloes around lights
Nausea/vomiting/headache
Some risk factors for angle-closure glaucoma include…
Increased age
Female
Personal/family history
Diabetic retinopathy
Many anticholinergic medications carry warnings to avoid in individuals with glaucoma. However this is only important for…
Patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma
Not relevant with open-angle glaucoma or those with surgically treated angle-closre glaucoma
