I did my discussion on Glaucoma. I found this topic very interesting
and I wanted to learn more about it because my grandfather was
diagnosed with this condition.
Concept and Etiology: Glaucoma is a group of disorders
characterized by progressive optic neuropathy resulting in a
characteristic appearance of the optic disc and a specific pattern of
irreversible visual field defects that are associated frequently but not
invariably with raised intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is one of
the most common types of eye disease. Glaucoma is an eye disease
where excess pressure irreparably damages the eye, causing
blindness. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the
world. In the U.S., an estimated two million people have glaucoma.
An equal number of people probably have the disease but don’t
know it. It deviates from the definition of health discussed in Module
One because it is not only a disease but also a condition that affects
the eye. Glaucoma has no warning signs.
Classification:
1. Absence or presence of causative factors: primary or secondary
2. Anatomy of the drainage angle: open-angle or angle-closure.
3. Speed of onset:
Acute: sudden elevation of IOP with features like ocular
pain and redness
Chronic: gradual elevation of IOP
4. Age of onset:
Congenital: At birth or before birth
Infantile: Birth until 3 years of life
Juvenile: 3 years to adulthood
Adult: Adulthood
5. Level of IOP: normal-tension glaucoma
(characteristic glaucomatous optic neuropathy with IOP in the
normal range) or ocular hypertension (IOP above the normal
range but no glaucomatous optic neuropathy).
The classification evolved into the more complex anatomic
classification of Hoskins, which divided the developmental
abnormalities into trabecular meshwork, iris, and/or cornea. The
Shaffer-Weiss classification introduced the categories of isolated
congenital (infantile) glaucoma, glaucomas associated with congenital
anomalies, and acquired glaucoma. Walton proposed further
additions and modifications to the Shaffer-Weiss classification
system with an exhaustive listing of all disorders known to be
associated with childhood glaucoma.
Clinical Manifestations (Symptoms and Signs):
Symptoms for angle-closure glaucoma include:
Sudden blurry vision
Severe eye pain or headache
Nausea and vomiting
Light sensitivity
Diagnostic Tests: While the “air puff” test can screen for glaucoma by
detecting elevated eye pressure, the only way to diagnose it early
with certainty is with a full dilated-eye exam, during which the
doctor can examine the optic nerve. A comprehensive glaucoma
screening may include one or more of the following tests:
Tonometry: A more accurate test of internal eye pressure than
the eye puff test.
Slit lamp and hand-held ophthalmoscope: To examine the optic
nerve for deterioration.
Gonioscopy: A special contact lens containing mirrors is used to
visualize the angle causing the problem and the extent of the
blockage.
Photography: Computerized imaging of the optic nerve to
assess the damage.
Visual field testing: For checking your peripheral vision with
flashing lights to see how badly your site has been
compromised.
Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of the cornea to assess
your risk of developing glaucoma.
Heidelberg Retinal Tomography and Optical Coherence
Tomography: These create computerized images of the optic
nerve that enable clinicians to look for damage.
References:
Story, L. (2018). Glaucoma. In Pathophysiology: A practical
approach (pp. 454–456). Essay, Jones & Bartlett Learning.
UHN Staff. (2021, June 21). Medical problems of the eyes, ears, nose,
and throat: Glaucoma symptoms, sinus infection, ringing in the ears,
vertigo, and more. University Health News. Retrieved December 10,
2021,
from https://universityhealthnews.com/free-reports-online/medical-
problems-eyes-ears-nose-throat-glaucoma-symptoms-sinus-
infection-ringing-ears-vertigo/.
