Acute glaucoma
| Glaucoma | |
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| Acute angle closure glaucoma of the person's right eye (shown at left). Note the mid-sized pupil, which was non-reactive to light, and redness of the white part of the eye. | |
| Specialty | Ophthalmology |
| Symptoms | Vision loss, eye pain, mid-dilated pupil, redness of the eye, nausea |
| Usual onset | Gradual, or sudden |
| Risk factors | Increased pressure in the eye, family history, migraines, high blood pressure, obesity |
| Diagnostic method | Dilated eye examination |
| Similar conditions | Uveitis, trauma, keratitis, conjunctivitis |
| Treatment | Medication, laser, surgery |
| Frequency | 6–67 million |
| Classification |
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| External resources |
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which result in damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. The most common type is open-angle glaucoma with less common types including closed-angle glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly over time and there is no pain. Side vision may begin to decrease followed by central vision resulting in blindness if not treated. Closed-angle glaucoma can present gradually or suddenly. The sudden presentation may involve severe eye pain, blurred vision, mid-dilated pupil, redness of the eye, and nausea. Vision loss from glaucoma, once it has occurred, is permanent.
Risk factors for glaucoma include increased pressure in the eye, a family history of the condition, migraines, high blood pressure, and obesity. For eye pressures a value of greater than 21 mmHg or 2.8 kPa is often used with higher pressures leading to a greater risk. However, some may have high eye pressure for years and never develop damage. Conversely, optic nerve damage may occur with normal pressure, known as normal-tension glaucoma. The mechanism of open-angle glaucoma is believed to be slow exit of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork while in closed-angle glaucoma the iris blocks the trabecular meshwork. Diagnosis is by a dilated eye examination. Often the optic nerve shows an abnormal amount of cupping.
If treated early it is possible to slow or stop the progression of disease with medication, laser treatment, or surgery. The goal of these treatments is to decrease eye pressure. A number of different classes of glaucoma medication are available. Laser treatments may be effective in both open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma. A number of types of glaucoma surgeries may be used in people who do not respond sufficiently to other measures. Treatment of closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency.
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Wikipedia