Doctor's Notes on Glaucoma FAQs
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which an increase in eye pressure causes damage to the optic nerve that may result in peripheral or central visual loss. Most types of glaucoma are due to elevated pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). Angle-closure glaucoma, in which the normal drainage canals within the eye are physically blocked and open-angle glaucoma, in which the drainage system remains open are the two main types of glaucoma. Glaucoma tends to run in families and is more prevalent as people get older. People with diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), those who are nearsighted or farsighted or who have a history of certain eye conditions are at higher risk of developing glaucoma.
Most people with glaucoma do not experience symptoms until they have lost a significant amount of vision. Vision loss is permanent. When symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma occur include pain, redness, haloes, and blurred vision.
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Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is caused by a rapid or sudden increase in pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma severe eye pain, nausea and vomiting, headache, blurred vision and/or seeing haloes around lights, profuse tearing. The condition requires treatment by an ophthalmologist which may include medication, surgery, or a combination approach. -
Adult Glaucoma Suspect
Glaucoma is usually high pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve and can result in permanent vision loss. Various exams and tests are used to diagnose the disease. -
Angle Recession Glaucoma
Angle recession glaucoma refers to a group of ocular disorders that occur after the eye undergoes trauma. Following this trauma, different mechanisms can cause an abnormal elevation of pressure inside the eye. An ophthalmologist diagnoses angle recession glaucoma using special instruments. Treatment may include eye drops, medication, laser surgery, or conventional incisional surgery. Taking steps to prevent traumatic eye injury is the best way to prevent angle recession glaucoma. -
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in the US and worldwide. Diabetic eye disease is a complication from diabetes. Types of diabetic eye disease include blindness, background diabetic retinopathy, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy includes blurry or hazy vision, difficulty focusing, and night glare from oncoming lights. Causes of diabetic eye disease occur over time due to hypoglycemia (high blood sugar) and other abnormalities in metabolism found in people with diabetes. Treatment for diabetes eye problems depends on the type of eye problem. Medication and surgery for diabetes eye problems may be necessary in addition to lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking. -
Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis)
Blepharitis is swelling and/or irritation of the eyelid, resulting from a bacterial infection, inflammation, or allergies. It is the most common eye disease. -
Glaucoma
Glaucoma can be caused by a number of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, typically by elevating pressure inside the eye, which is called intraocular pressure (IOP) or ocular hypertension. Symptoms begin slowly and include vision loss and irregularities, eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Beta-blockers, Alpha-adrenergic agonists, and prostaglandin analogs are drugs used to treat glaucoma. Sometimes surgery is necessary, especially with congenital glaucoma. The disease is not curable but can be managed. -
Glaucoma Medications
Glaucoma is a disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP). (Intraocular means within the eye.) Increased intraocular pressure results from either increased production or decreased drainage of aqueous humor. Treatment for glaucoma can include medication and/or surgery to lower the intraocular pressure. -
Lens-Particle Glaucoma
Lens-particle glaucoma is a form of glaucoma that occurs due to leakage of material from the inside of the lens of the eye. It may be caused be trauma, surgery, or inflammation. Signs and symptoms of lens-particle glaucoma may include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain, headache, redness, and tearing. The condition is diagnosed by ophthalmologic evaluation. Treatment may include eyedrops to control eye pressure and inflammation. -
Muscle Cramps (Muscle Spasms)
Muscle cramps occur when a muscle undergoes a sustained, forceful, and involuntary contraction. The cramp may cause a visible or palpable hardening of the muscle. Dehydration, fatigue, and certain medications may cause muscle cramps. The primary treatments for muscle cramps include relaxing, stretching, massaging, and applying heat to the cramp. -
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma or low-tension glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve is damaged despite normal fluid pressure inside the eye (other types of glaucoma result vision loss because of abnormally high pressure inside the eye. Normal-tension glaucoma typically occurs in older adults and can be caused by congenital nerve defects and irregularities in blood flow to the eye. Eyedrops and surgery are treatments for this disorder. -
Primary Congenital Glaucoma
Primary congenital glaucoma is present at birth and may be inherited. Blepharospasm, photophobia, and epiphora are symptoms. A cloudy whitish-gray cornea is a common sign. Treatment of primary congenital glaucoma typically involves surgery. -
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Glaucoma describes chronic high pressure within the eyeball. The pressure eventually causes nerve damage, though glaucoma can still occur without elevated pressure. Primary open-angle glaucoma is a subtype of the disease characterized by atrophy of the optic disc in the back oif the eye and other problems. -
Tremors
There are two main categories of tremors, 1) normal, and 2) abnormal. Abnormal tremors can be classified as resting, postural (action), intention (ataxic), and rubral tremor. Causes of tremors are very diverse to include other diseases or conditions, medications, and toxins. Some clinical conditions are associated with types of tremors (such as familial and essential tremor). Parkinson tremor is generally associated with Parkinson's disease. Treatment for tremors depends up on the cause.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.