Glaucoma is a collective term that pertains to conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve.
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) or lack of efficient perfusion to the optic nerve are factors associated
with the development of glaucoma. “The main problem or pathology in glaucoma is caused by raised
intraocular pressure. It is this raised pressure that compresses and damages the optic nerve. Once the
optic nerve is damaged, it fails to carry visual information to the brain and this results in loss of vision”
(Mandal, 2019). This increased pressure is the result of impaired drainage of aqueous humor in the
trabecular meshwork or position of the angle of drainage. Damage may also be related to optic nerve
head sensitivity. In this case injury results from slight increases in IOP. There is still a lot of speculation
on the basis of glaucoma development considering that some individuals have damage without
incidence of elevated IOP.
“The optic nerve contains the axons of the retinal ganglion cells that line the retina” (Ou, 2012).
When the optic nerve is damaged these fibers are compromised, hence the loss of peripheral vision.
Blurred vision and eye discomfort in relation to high IOP is most likely related onset of acute angle
closure glaucoma. In this situation, the majority of the angle is blocked or closed. This closure is the
causal factor for increased IOP.
With age the vitreous shrinks and tension builds between these fibers and the retinal surface. As
these changes progress the vitreous will shrink and separate further from the retina eventually
becoming unattached. The retina can also become unattached during shrinkage due to the tensity. “Mr.
A’s floaters are microscopic collagen fibers withing the vitreous that cast shadows on the retina. The
dark spots he is experiencing are caused from distortion of light from detached vitreous” (Bergstrom &
Czyz, 2022).
“It is important to reattach the retina immediately in order to restore the oxygen and nutrient
supply, thus preventing the death of the tissue" (Blair & Czyz, 2022).
Literature Cited
Bergstrom, R., & Czyz, C. N. (2022, January 31). Vitreous floaters - statpearls - NCBI bookshelf. National
Library of Medicine. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470420/
Blair, K., & Czyz, C. N. (2022, January 31). Retinal detachment - statpearls - NCBI bookshelf. National
Library of Medicine. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551502/
Fazio, D. (2019, September 18). What are the symptoms of glaucoma? Glaucoma Research Foundation.
Retrieved April 27, 2022, from https://www.glaucoma.org/gleams/what-are-the-symptoms-ofglaucoma.php
Mandal, D. A. (2019, February 27). Glaucoma pathophysiology. News Medical Life Sciences. Retrieved
April 27, 2022, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/GlaucomaPathophysiology.aspx#:~:text=The%20main%20problem%20or%20pathology,results%20in%20los
s%20of%20vision.
Ou, Y. (2012, July 7). How long does it take to go blind from glaucoma? Bright focus
foundation. Retrieved April 27, 2022, from
https://www.brightfocus.org/glaucoma/article/how-long-does-it-take-go-blind-glaucoma