Glaucoma

A disease of progressive optic neuropathy with loss of retinal neurons and their axons (nerve fiber layer) resulting in blindness if left untreated. “Glaucoma describes a group of diseases that kill retinal ganglion cells.” “High IOP is the strongest known risk factor for glaucoma but it is neither necessary nor sufficient to induce the neuropathy.”

Symptons:

1. Irritability
2. Photophobia
3. Epiphora
4. Poor vision

Cause:

There is a dose-response relationship between intraocular pressure and the risk of damage to the visual field.

How do we diagnose it? :

IOP is not helpful diagnostically until it reaches approximately 40 mm Hg at which level the likelihood of damage is significant. Visual fields are also not helpful in the early stages of diagnosis because a considerable number of neurons must be lost before VF changes can be detected. Optic nerve damage in the early stages is difficult or impossible to recognize. 50% of people with glaucoma do not know it!