Glaucoma: Causes, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment

Study Notes

Glaucoma

Causes of Glaucoma

The exact cause of glaucoma is not fully understood, but it is known that the condition is characterized by increased pressure within the eye, or intraocular pressure (IOP). This pressure is due to an imbalance between the production of aqueous humor within the eye and its drainage through the trabecular meshwork.

Diagnosis of Glaucoma

Diagnosis of glaucoma typically involves a combination of tonometry to measure IOP and visual field testing to assess the extent of any vision loss. Other diagnostic tests may include gonioscopy and ophthalmoscopy to examine the eyes' structures.

Prevention of Glaucoma

Preventing glaucoma involves maintaining a healthy IOP. This can be achieved through regular eye examinations, proper use of prescribed medications, and a balanced diet. In some cases, laser treatments or surgical procedures may be necessary to lower IOP and prevent further vision loss.

Treatment of Glaucoma

The primary treatment for glaucoma is medication to lower IOP. This may include beta-blockers, prostaglandin analogs, or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The success rate of filtering surgery for glaucoma has been increased by using antimetabolites such as mitomycin C (MMC) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In cases of normal tension glaucoma (NTG), where IOP is within normal range, the first choice of treatment is often medication and argon laser trabeculoplasty. Additionally, a drug for increasing blood circulation in the brain, brovinecamine fumarate, has shown beneficial effects in the treatment of NTG.

In conclusion, glaucoma is a condition that involves increased pressure within the eye. Its diagnosis involves measuring IOP and assessing vision loss, while prevention and treatment focus on lowering IOP through medication and, in some cases, surgery.

Description

Learn about the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of glaucoma. Understand how increased intraocular pressure affects the eyes and how to maintain healthy eye pressure through medication and surgical procedures.