PEG

• What is glaucoma?


  Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve.
• Why is the optic nerve important in glaucoma?


  The optic nerve is vital for good vision as it transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.
• What often causes damage in glaucoma?


  Damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye.
• What is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over 60 years old?


  Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over 60 years old.
• At what age can glaucoma occur?


  Glaucoma can occur at any age.
• What are the key points about glaucoma?


  • Affects the optic nerve
  • Often associated with high intraocular pressure
  • Can lead to vision loss if untreated
  • Usually develops slowly over time
• What is the nature of optic nerve damage in glaucoma?


  Optic nerve damage is characterized by progressive damage to the nerve fibers, leading to blind spots in the visual field.
• What is the normal range for intraocular pressure?


  Normal eye pressure ranges from 12-22 mmHg.
• How does glaucoma typically develop?


  Glaucoma usually develops slowly over years, often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
• What happens to vision once it is lost due to glaucoma?

  Once vision is lost due to glaucoma, it cannot be recovered.
• How many people are affected by glaucoma worldwide?

  Glaucoma affects over 70 million people worldwide.
• Is glaucoma exclusive to older adults?


  No, while more common in older adults, glaucoma can affect people of all ages, including children.
• What is a genetic component in glaucoma?

  Some forms of glaucoma have a hereditary basis, increasing risk for individuals with a family history of the condition.
• What are the two main types of glaucoma and their characteristics?

  1. Open-angle glaucoma:

  • Most common form (about 90% of cases)
  • Occurs when the drainage angle remains open
  • Develops slowly and is often painless

  
  

  1. Angle-closure glaucoma:

  • Less common but more severe
  • Occurs when the drainage angle closes or becomes blocked
  • Can develop suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic)
• What is the most common form of glaucoma?

  Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form.
• What characterizes acute angle-closure glaucoma?

  Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle closes or becomes blocked and can develop suddenly.
• What is congenital glaucoma?

  Congenital glaucoma is present at birth or develops in early childhood.
• What is normal-tension glaucoma?

  Normal-tension glaucoma is when optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure.
• What is secondary glaucoma?

  Secondary glaucoma is caused by other medical conditions, injuries, or medications.
• How does age affect the risk of glaucoma?


  The risk of glaucoma increases with age, especially after 60.
• What are the causes and risk factors for glaucoma?

  **Causes**:

  • Increased intraocular pressure
  • Impaired blood flow to the optic nerve
  • Structural abnormalities in the eye

  
  

  **Risk Factors**:

  • Age (increases after 60)
  • Family history
  • Ethnicity (higher risk in African, Asian, and Hispanic descent)
  • Medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure)
  • Eye injuries or surgeries
  • Long-term use of corticosteroids
  • High myopia or hyperopia
  • Thin corneas
• How does family history influence glaucoma risk?


  Certain types of glaucoma can be hereditary, increasing risk for individuals with a family history.
• Which ethnic groups have a higher risk of glaucoma?


  People of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent have a higher risk of glaucoma.
• What medical conditions can increase the risk of glaucoma?


  Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase the risk of glaucoma.
• How can eye injuries or surgeries affect glaucoma risk?


  Eye injuries or surgeries can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
• How does long-term use of corticosteroids affect glaucoma risk?


  Long-term use of corticosteroids, especially eye drops, can increase the risk of glaucoma.
• How do high myopia and hyperopia relate to glaucoma risk?


  High myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) can increase the risk of glaucoma.
• How does corneal thickness relate to glaucoma risk?


  Thin corneas are a risk factor for developing glaucoma.
• What are the symptoms of glaucoma based on its type?


  **Open-angle glaucoma** symptoms:

  • Gradual loss of peripheral vision
  • Tunnel vision in advanced stages

  
  

  **Acute angle-closure glaucoma** symptoms:

  • Severe eye pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sudden onset of visual disturbance
  • Blurred vision
  • Halos around lights
  • Eye redness

  
  

  **Other potential symptoms**:

  • Patchy blind spots
  • Difficulty adapting to dim light
  • Need for frequent changes in prescription glasses
• What are the symptoms of open-angle glaucoma?


  Symptoms include gradual loss of peripheral vision and tunnel vision in advanced stages.
• What are the symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma?


  Symptoms include severe eye pain, nausea, sudden onset of visual disturbance, blurred vision, halos around lights, and eye redness.
• Why is early detection important in glaucoma?


  Early-stage glaucoma often has no symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection and treatment.
• What are the common diagnostic tests for glaucoma?

  1. Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure
  2. Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve
  3. Perimetry: Tests peripheral vision
  4. Gonioscopy: Inspects the drainage angle
  5. Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness
  6. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Images the optic nerve and retina
• What is the purpose of tonometry in glaucoma diagnosis?


  Tonometry measures intraocular pressure to help diagnose glaucoma.
• What does ophthalmoscopy examine in glaucoma diagnosis?


  Ophthalmoscopy examines the optic nerve.
• What is the role of perimetry in glaucoma diagnosis?


  Perimetry tests peripheral vision to assess vision loss due to glaucoma.
• What does gonioscopy inspect in glaucoma diagnosis?


  Gonioscopy inspects the drainage angle of the eye.
• What is the purpose of pachymetry in glaucoma diagnosis?


  Pachymetry measures corneal thickness, which can influence glaucoma risk.
• What does Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) do in glaucoma diagnosis?


  OCT images the optic nerve and retina to assess damage.
• What are the treatment options for glaucoma?


  1. Medications:

  • Eye drops (beta-blockers, prostaglandin analogs)
  • Oral medications for short-term pressure reduction

  
  

  1. Laser therapy:

  • Trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma
  • Iridotomy for angle-closure glaucoma

  
  

  1. Surgery:

  • Trabeculectomy to create a new drainage channel
  • Drainage implants

  
  

  1. Lifestyle changes:

  • Regular exercise
  • Healthy diet
  • Avoiding smoking

  
  

  1. Regular monitoring and follow-up with an ophthalmologist