GLAUCOMA
Presented by:
Angela Garcia
Denniqua Holloway
Maria Pimentel
Jessica Vaughn Menefee
WHAT IS GLAUCOMA
- Glaucoma is an eye condition which
occurs when there is a buildup or
increased pressure in the eye(s).
- Eye pressure can increase when eye
fluid does not circulate normally in the
front part of the eye.
- Unless the pressure is brought down or
controlled, parts of the eye could be
damage which can result in vision loss.
- There are two main types of glaucoma,
open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure
glaucoma.
Photo from: http://www.midshoreeye.com/UserFiles/Image/glaucoma5.jpg
WHAT PARTS OF THE VISUAL SYSTEM ARE
AFFECTED?
- Lens: A clear structure in the front of the eye which provides the ability to focus on
images. It also helps refract light as it travels to the retina.
- Iris: The colored part of the eye that helps control the size of the pupil.
- Aqueous Humor: A liquid that flows between the lens and the iris. It provides
nourishment to the lens and cornea.
- Cornea: The front part of the that is transparent and covers the lens and the iris.
Most of the light refraction occurs here. A cloudy cornea is a sign of glaucoma.
- Optic Nerve: A never that transmit visual information from the retina to the brain.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF GLAUCOMA ON THE
VISUAL SYSTEM?
- In between the iris and the lens, there is a liquid called the aqueous humor. This
liquid flows on a pathway that nourishes the cornea and the lens. When the aqueous
humor does is blocked or does not flow properly, it can cause increased pressure in
the eye.
- The eye is strong and the increased pressure from glaucoma will not cause the eye
to pop. Instead, the eye will give near the optic nerve and can cause damage to it.
- The optic nerve carries visual information to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve
can result in vision loss.
- Glaucoma can cause a loss of peripheral vision and blurred vision that can get
worse if not treated.
WHAT ARE COMMON TREATMENTS OF
GLAUCOMA?
- Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, medication, laser surgery, traditional
surgery or any combination of these methods.
- The goal of any treatment is to reduce or control the pressure in the eye and to
prevent loss of vision. Vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible.
- Early detection is key to stabilizing glaucoma and prevent future vision loss. Without
proper treatment, glaucoma will progress rapidly resulting in complete vision loss.
- Treatment for glaucoma is a lifelong process. Patients must take medication and
monitor their vision periodically to prevent further vision loss.
WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF
GLAUCOMA?
- Functional implications of glaucoma vary case by case. If detected and treated
early enough, vision loss can be prevented. Once vision loss occurs there is no way to
correct it.
- People with glaucoma can develop photophobia which can cause a sensitivity of
light and glare.
- Corneal clouding can occur in someone with glaucoma which may affect the
cornea’s ability to refract light. This can cause reduced visual acuity.
- People with glaucoma can also have a restricted visual field. It is typically restricted
in the peripheral but can cause a central restriction too.
HOW TO SUPPORT A PERSON WITH GLAUCOMA
- Corrective lenses can help with acuity issues.
- Appropriate lighting is important for a person with photophobia. Someone may prefer to
wear sunglasses or a hat to provide protection from the light.
- Different contrasts can help someone see better. Explore different contrasts to see what
works best for the person.
- Increasing the size of the objects or image may also help a person with glaucoma. Low vision
aids such as a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) may help the person access their environment.
- People with glaucoma may also need more time on visual tasks as well as breaks to prevent
fatigue.
- Seating may need to vary for the person depending on the visual acuity, lighting and other
environmental factors.
REFERENCES
Byers, A. R. (2014, June 27). Academy of Eye Care. Retrieved from pceyeglasses.com:
http://www.pceyeglasses.com/glaucoma.html
Cassin, B. (2004). Dictionary of Eye Terminology. Gainesville: Triad Publishing Company.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2012, October 2). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic.org:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/basics/causes/con20024042
Nordqvist, C. (2012, February 14). Medical News Today. Retrieved from Medical News
Today.com: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9710.php
The Glaucoma Foundation. (2014, June 27). The Glaucoma Foundation. Retrieved from
Glaucoma Foundation.org:
http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/treating_glaucoma.htm