The main cause of glaucoma, as mentioned above, is the increase of eye pressure. This occurs when there is an inability to properly drain the aqueous humor (the fluid produced inside the eye). Prolonged exposure of the optic nerve to intraocular pressure can lead to the destruction of its nerve fibers. It should be made clear that increased intraocular pressure does not always mean glaucoma. This condition is known as ocular hypertension.<\/p>\n
Predisposing factors<\/p>\n
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- Age (aging)<\/li>\n
- Black race<\/li>\n
- Heredity<\/li>\n
- High myopia<\/a><\/li>\n
- Diabetes mellitus<\/li>\n
- Hypertension<\/li>\n
- Eye injury<\/li>\n
- Long-term corticosteroid use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Types of glaucoma<\/h2>\n
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- \n
Open-angle glaucoma<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This is the most common and insidious form of glaucoma, as it is completely asymptomatic. This resistance to outflow is the cause of increased intraocular pressure, which in turn damages the optic nerve.<\/p>\n
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- Closed-angle glaucoma (acute glaucoma)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It is accompanied by nausea and vomiting or severe headache. It is an ophthalmic emergency and must be treated as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Subacute closed-angle glaucoma<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In this case, the patient suffers from transient closed-angle attacks which may often go unnoticed. The iris mechanically blocks the natural drainage of the anterior chamber (mainly when it dilates), and the resulting waves of increased pressure gradually destroy the optic nerve. Very often, these patients feel intense pain, especially in dim light, or see halos around light sources.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Congenital glaucoma<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Occurs in 1:10,000 births. It usually appears in early childhood or infancy (first 4 years of life).<\/p>\n
- \n
- Normal-tension glaucoma<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In some patients, the disease occurs while intraocular pressure is normal or even low.<\/p>\n
Glaucoma treatment<\/h2>\n
Our main goal is to reduce the primary modifiable risk factor: intraocular pressure.<\/p>\n
Intraocular pressure can be managed in two main ways:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Reducing the production of aqueous humor<\/li>\n
- Increasing its drainage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This can be achieved through the administration of medications (eye drops, pills, or injections).<\/p>\n
In addition to conventional medications, there are other NEW METHODS to regulate intraocular pressure.<\/p>\n
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Glaucoma \u2013 new treatment: SLT<\/a> laser<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n SLT \u2013 Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty<\/em><\/h2>\n
- Normal-tension glaucoma<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Congenital glaucoma<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Subacute closed-angle glaucoma<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Closed-angle glaucoma (acute glaucoma)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n