Glaucoma

Question 1

What is glaucoma?

Answer 1

Results from impaired drainage of aqueous humour

Increased fluid volume will increase pressure

Increased pressure damages optic nerve - progressive vision loss

Question 2

Outline normal aqueous humour flow

Answer 2

• Produced by ciliary body behind the iris and flows throughout anterior chamber
• Removed via trabecular meshwork of a drainage canal between the iris and the cornea (drainage angle)

Question 3

What are the functions of aqueous humour?

Answer 3

• Exerts intraocular pressure to maintain eye shape

- Nourishes area around iris behind the cornea

Question 4

What is the normal range of IOP?

Answer 4

16-21 mmHg

Question 5

What causes an increase in IOP and what are the risk factors of glaucoma?

Answer 5

When rate of production > rate of drainage

• Diabetes
• Eye injury
• High IOP
• Family history
• If you need glasses

Question 6

What are the two types of glaucoma?

Answer 6

Open angle glaucoma:

• Aqueous outflow is obstructed due to blockage in trabecular meshwork

Closed angle glaucoma:
- Aqueous outflow drainage channel is obstructed by the iris