alterations in visual function

what causes glaucoma?

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)

what is a common nickname for glaucoma?

the "silent thief of sight"

why is glaucoma called the "silent thief of sight"?

it progresses gradually without early symptoms

what part of the eye is damaged by increased pressure in glaucoma?

the optic nerve

what can untreated glaucoma lead to?

blindness

what are 4 risk factors for glaucoma?

1. age greater than 40 years

2. ethnicity

3. history of migraine headaches

4. cardiovascular disease

what type of glaucoma accounts for 90% of cases?

primary open angle glaucoma (poag)

what type of glaucoma accounts for 10% of cases?

primary closed angle glaucoma (pcag)

the cause of primary open angle glaucoma (poag) is...

not completely understood

primary closed angle glaucoma (pcag) is considered what type of situation?

an acute emergency

in poag, what change prevents proper fluid drainage?

changes in eye structure prevent drainage of aqueous fluid

in pcag, what does the outcome depend on?

duration from onset to treatment

in poag, what structures are damaged by pressure?

retina and optic nerve

pcag is more common in which populations?

people of asian descent and females

in poag, what happens to the optic cup under high intraocular pressure (iop)?

it enlarges

in pcag, what is the anatomical issue causing blockage?

narrow angle between iris and cornea

what can increase the risk of pcag?

some medications

what aspects of patient history are important when assessing glaucoma?

age, use of lenses, family history, anticholinergic medications

what patient complaints may indicate glaucoma?

eye pain, eye redness, halos around lights, vision loss

what exam is necessary to inspect the optic nerve in glaucoma?

fundoscopic exam

in which type of glaucoma are signs and symptoms rapid?

primary angle closed glaucoma (pacg)

in which type of glaucoma are signs and symptoms progressive?

primary open angle glaucoma (poag)

what diagnostic change is seen in glaucoma?

increase in the optic cup to optic disc ratio

what is the main goal of glaucoma treatment?

reduce intraocular pressure (iop) by decreasing aqueous fluid or improving outflow

what medications are used for treating poag?

alpha-2 agonists, beta blockers, cholinergic agents

what surgical procedure involves creating an opening in the trabecular meshwork to improve fluid drainage?

trabeculotomy

what surgical option involves placing a device to help drain aqueous fluid?

glaucoma drainage device implantation

when does nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy occur?

early in diabetes

what are key features of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy?

tiny aneurysms, microinfarcts, nerve damage, "cotton wool spots"

when does proliferative diabetic retinopathy occur?

later in the diabetic course

what happens in proliferative diabetic retinopathy?

diabetes stimulates vasoactive growth factors, increasing vessels in the retina

what is the initial clinical presentation of diabetic retinopathy?

asymptomatic

what are later clinical symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

blurred vision, poor night vision

how is diabetic retinopathy diagnosed?

slit lamp and fundoscopic examination, increase optic cup to optic disc ratio

what are the treatment options for diabetic retinopathy?

control blood glucose levels, photocoagulation therapy may help

what causes cataracts at the cellular level?

excessive growth of the epithelial layer of the lens

what are common risk factors for senile cataracts?

advancing age, smoking, obesity, diabetes, uv light

what causes congenital cataracts?

infections such as rubella, syphilis, cmv

what are common symptoms of cataracts?

gradual vision loss, seeing halos at night, opacity covering the eyes

what is the main treatment for cataracts?

removal of the cataract and replacement with an artificial lens

what surgical technique is used for cataract removal involving a small incision?

manual small incision cataract surgery (msics)

what is the newest technique for cataract treatment?

advanced lens replacement methods (newest surgical technique)

what happens in retinal detachment?

the retina pulls away from the back of the eye

what is the risk of full thickness retinal detachment if not treated quickly?

100% rate of blindness

what symptoms are associated with retinal detachment?

photopsia, floaters in the vision, shadows in the peripheral field

what exam is used to diagnose retinal detachment?

ophthalmoscopic examination

what does treatment for retinal detachment depend on?

the type and size of the detachment

which drugs are contraindicated in patients with glaucoma?

anticholinergic drugs and drugs with anticholinergic side effects

why is treatment for retinal detachment necessary?

to prevent permanent vision loss