In this condition, there is a sudden marked increase in IOP caused by mechanical obstruction of angle structures of the eye near the root of the iris. Different types of secondary glaucoma include pigmentary, exfoliative, and uveitic glaucoma.Īngle-closure glaucoma. It may occur after trauma or may follow neovascularization in the anterior chamber, as may occur with diabetes. The elevated IOP results from a specific disease within the eye, such as iritis, uveitis, venous obstruction in the eye, or tumor, which interferes with aqueous flowing out of the eye. Secondary glaucoma can be of either the open-angle or the narrow-angle type. Most cases of glaucoma fall into this group. It is insidious and symptomless, initially causing loss of the peripheral visual field but often undetected until significant irreversible loss has occurred. This condition is thought to arise from a progressive outflow obstruction in the trabecular meshwork of the anterior chamber angle structures, with a subsequent increase in IOP. Glaucoma falls roughly into five classifications ( Table 25.1 ): The hallmark of glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy. Glaucoma is a localized ocular disease characterized by optic nerve cupping and visual field loss, and is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). For every person blinded by glaucoma, there are at least six individuals who have lost useful vision in one eye. There are countless millions in whom glaucoma has not been diagnosed. More than 80 million people worldwide are afflicted by glaucoma. It is the ophthalmic technician who has the potential to effect a positive outcome in the prognosis of glaucoma patients. Performing key tests to define the glaucoma patient’s statusĪiding in glaucoma patients’ treatment by teaching them about their condition, demonstrating treatment techniques (such as applying eyedrops), and monitoring their compliance and treatment efficacy in preventing progressionĪssisting in the preoperative preparation and especially in the postoperative care of glaucoma surgical patientsĮach one of these aspects is essential to the complete care of the glaucoma patient.Īn understanding of what glaucoma is, what glaucoma does to the eye, and what we can do about it enables the technician to become a key component of this glaucoma patient management team. Identifying factors that may be indicative of glaucoma when taking a patient’s history Responsibilities integral to the ophthalmic technician’s role in the care of patients with glaucoma include: The ophthalmic technician is a critical member of the glaucoma patient management team.
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