INTRODUCTION
Definition
Glaucoma is a group of disorders characterized by a
progressive optic neuropathy resulting in a
characteristic appearance of the optic disc and a
specific pattern of irreversible visual field defects
The causes of glaucoma are multifactorial and include
genetic and environmental factors
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most common risk
factor but not the only risk factor for development of
glaucoma
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Int…
But, IOP is presently the only factor that can be
controlled to prevent progressive optic neuropathy
Normal range of IOP in the general population is 10-21
mmHg (Average 15.5 mmHg with SD of 2.6 mmHg)
In patients with glaucoma, the IOP at baseline -
regardless of its actual level -is too high for retinal
ganglion cell function and survival
In most patients with glaucoma, lowering the IOP will
stop or slow visual field loss
During patient evaluation, visual field tests and IOP
readings are assessed in addition to ON evaluation
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Int…
Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in the
prevention of visual loss from glaucoma
If untreated, it can lead to total irreversible blindness
But in nearly all types of glaucoma, blindness is
preventable
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness
worldwide
The global prevalence of glaucoma is about 3.5% in the
population aged 40–80 years
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CONT...
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CLASSIFICATION
A. Based on Angle
Open angle glaucoma
Angle closure glaucoma
B. Based on Cause
Primary
Secondary
C. Pediatric glaucoma
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Normal Aqueous flow
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Class…
Pediatric glaucoma
Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG)
Juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG)
Glaucoma associated with non acquired ocular
anomalies
Glaucoma associated with acquired conditions
Glaucoma following cataract surgery
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CLINICAL EVALUATION
History
The history includes :
•Demography (Age, Race & ethnicity)
•Symptoms, onset, duration, and severity
•Past ocular history (medical & surgical)
•Family history of glaucoma
•General medical history (medications & allergies)
•Social and occupational history
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Clinical…
Examination
Visual acuity
IOP measurement (Tonometry)
Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy
Ocular adnexal examination
-conditions associated with 2⁰ glaucoma
-for possible external effects of glaucoma therapy
Pupillary function assessment (RAPD, drug effects)
Anterior segment evaluation & Imaging (UBM, OCT)
Refraction
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Tonometry
•process of measuring intraocular pressure using a
variety of instruments
•Goldman tonometer is the gold standard
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Clinical…
Gonioscopy
-technique for examining the anterior chamber angle
structures using special lenses (direct & indirect)
-for diagnosis of glaucoma type & therapy (LTP)
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Goldman lenses
Single & three mirror
Zieslens
Koeppe
Swan–Jacob
Indirect lenses
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Clinical…
Posterior Segment/Optic Nerve Head Evaluation
-Characteristic changes in the optic nerve head are the
defining feature of glaucoma
-Glaucomatous optic neuropathy is a progressive
degeneration of RGCs and their axons in association
with lamina cribrosadamage
-Examination of ONH may be performed with
-> direct ophthalmoscope
-> indirect ophthalmoscope
-> Slit-lamp biomicroscopecombined with high-
magnification posterior pole lens
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ONH Changes in Glaucoma
-Generalized enlargement of the cup
-Thinning, undermining & focal
notching of neuroretinalrim (NRR)
-Progressive loss of NRR tissue
-Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) atrophy
-Nasal shift of retinal vessels
-Peripapillaryatrophy
-Disc hemorrhag
-Asymmetry of cupping
Clinical…
-The normal ONH ranges from approximately 1.5 to
2.2 mm in diameter
-The vertical cup–disc ratio typically ranges b/n 0.1 &0.4
-Asymmetry of the cup–disc ratio of more than 0.2 is
suspicious & significant
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ONH, RNFL & Macula may also be evaluated
for glaucomatous changes using OCT
Clinical…
Visual field
Perimetryis the method of visual field assessment
Perimetryserves 2 major purposes in the management
of glaucoma:
1. identification and quantification of abnormalities
in the visual field
2. longitudinal assessment to detect glaucomatous
progression and measure rates of change
Two major types of perimetry
Automated Static perimetry(HFA, Octopus, FDT)
Manual kinetic & static perimetry(Goldmann)
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Visual field defects in glaucoma usually run parallel to
the changes at the ONH
These continue to progress if IOP is not controlled
& can be described as early or advanced field defects
Glaucomatous Visual Field Loss
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Early Advanced
-Diffuse reduction /
constriction of isopters
-Paracentralscotoma
-Bjerrum/ arcuate
-Nasal steps
-Temporal wedge
-Double arctuatewith
peripheral extension
-Central and temporal
island of vision
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Open-Angle Glaucoma (OAG)
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
Most common type of glaucoma in adults
No clearly identifiable cause for the glaucoma
Risk factors associated with POAG include:
-higher IOP -race
-lower ocular perfusion pressure -ethnicity
-older age -genetics
-lower CCT (thinner cornea) -?associated
-high myopia systemic conditions
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POAG is typically insidious in onset, slowly
progressive, and painless
It is usually bilateral but can be asymmetric
AC angle is open & IOP may be elevated
Diagnosis is based primarily on the appearance of the
ONH and on the results of visual field testing
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Prevalence of POAG with
age and race
OAG…
The Glaucoma Suspect
An individual with one of the following cxc:
-a suspicious optic nerve or NFL appearance in the
absence of a visual field(VF) defect
-a VF defect suggestive of glaucoma in the absence of a
corresponding glaucomatous optic nerve abnormality
-a family history of glaucoma in a first-degree relative
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OAG…
Ocular hypertension (OHT)
Is defined as the presence of statistically elevated IOP
(>21 mmHg) in the absence of glaucomatous visual field,
optic disc, or RNFL abnormalities
A large proportion of patients with OHT do not go on to
develop glaucoma
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Normal or low tension glaucoma (NTG/LTG)
Is suggested for the typical cupping of the disc and/or
visual field defects associated with a normal or low
IOP
Patients with “normal” IOP in clinic may experience
higher pressures outside clinic hours
Vascular factors may have a significant role in the
development of NTG in these persons
As in POAG, NTG is characteristically bilateral but
often asymmetric
The visual field defects in NTG tend to be more focal,
deeper, and closer to fixation
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Angle Closure Glaucoma (ACG)
Primary Angle Closure (PAC)
Angle closure refers to an anatomic configuration in
which there is mechanical blockage of the trabecular
meshwork by the peripheral iris
Angle closure is divided into 2 main categories
-Primary angle closure &
-Secondary angle closure
In PAC, no secondary pathologic condition can be
identified (there is only an anatomic predisposition)
In secondary angle closure, an identifiable pathologic
cause initiates the angle closure
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ACG…
Risk factors for PACG include:
-Race & Ethnicity -Sex
-Ocular Biometrics -Refractive Error
-Age -Family History &Genetics
PAC spectrum is classified into 3 categories:
primary angle-closure suspect (PACS)
primary angle closure (PAC)
primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG)
Because of the insidious nature of PACG, vision loss
may be the presenting symptom
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ACG…
Causes of angle closure
Pupillary Block
Plateau Iris and Iris-Induced Angle Closure
Drugs (either mydriaticor miotic)
The clinical course of PACG usually resembles that of
open-angle glaucoma in its
-lack of initial symptoms,
-modest elevation of IOP,
-progressive glaucomatous optic nerve damage, and
-characteristic patterns of visual field loss
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ACG…
Acute primary angle closure
IOP rises rapidly as a result of relatively sudden
blockage of the trabecular meshwork by the iris
Is an ocular emergency typically manifested by ocular
pain, headache, blurred vision, and rainbow-colored
halos around lights
Acute systemic distress may result in nausea & vomiting
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ACG…
Signs of acute angle closure include:
high IOP
mid-dilated, sluggish, and irregularly shaped pupil
corneal epithelial edema
congested episcleraland conjunctivalblood vessels
shallow peripheral anterior chamber
mild amount of aqueous flare and cell
During an acute attack, the IOP may be high enough
to cause glaucomatous optic nerve damage, ischemic
optic neuropathy, and/or retinal vascular occlusion
PAS can form rapidly, and IOP-induced ischemia may
produce sector atrophy of the iris, releasing pigment
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Pediatric Glaucoma
Are rare glaucomasthat can result total optic nerve
atrophy and blindness
Include a heterogeousgroup of disorders associated
with elevated IOP
Typically classified as primary or secondary
Primary pediatric glaucomasare characteriszedby
isolated angle abnormalities
Secondary pediatric glaucomasare associated with
other ocular or systemic conditions
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Most cases of PCG are sporadic but 10% -40% have
AR inheritance pattern (CYP1B1 & LTBP2 genes)
JOAG are associated with AD inheritance pattern
resulting from mutations in MYOC gene
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Pediatric…
Primary Congenital Glaucoma
Accounts for the majority of primary pediatric
glaucomas
Most cases are bilateral (70%) & frequently occur in
males (65%) than females
PCG presents with the classic triad of :
epiphora, photophobia, and blepharospasm
The classic features of PCG:
enlarged and/or cloudy corneas, Haabstriae, &
an enlarged globe (buphthalmos) -> until 4 years of age
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Pediatric…
Other signs include high IOP, ciliaryinjection, ON
cupping ( CDR) & refractive errors
Examination under anesthesia (EUA) for diagnosis
Treatment of PCG typically requires surgical
intervention
Medical treatment to lower IOP is a temporary
measure till the child is ready for surgery
PCG generally has a better visual prognosis than do
most secondary pediatric glaucoma
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Pediatric…
Secondary Pediatric Glaucomas
Axenfeld-RiegerSyndrome
Peters Anomaly
Aniridia
Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Neurofibromatosis
Glaucoma Following Cataract Surgery
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MANAGEMENT
Medical Management
The goal of currently available glaucoma therapy is to
preserve visual function by lowering IOP
The treatment regimen chosen should achieve this
goal with the lowest risk, the fewest adverse effects,
and the least disruption to the patient’s life, taking
into account the cost of treatment
Target pressure, an IOP below which the clinician
estimates the rate of disease progression to be
sufficiently slow, is set
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Manage…
The range of target pressure should be individualized,
based on the IOP at which damage is thought to have
occurred, severity of the damage, life expectancy, and
associated risk factors
An initial reduction in the IOP of 20% -30% from
baseline is suggested
Lifelong follow up is usually required!
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Manage…
Ocular hypotensive agents are divided into several
classes based on chemical structure and
pharmacologic action
1.Prostaglandin analogues
2.Adrenergic antagonists (nonselective &β1-selective)
3.Adrenergic agonists (nonselective &α2-selective)
4.Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (topical & systemic)
5.Parasympathomimetic(miotic) agents with direct
cholinergic & anticholinesterase actions
6.Hyperosmotic agents
7.Combination medication
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Manage…
Prostaglandin analogues (PGA)
Prodrugsthat become biologically active after being
hydrolyzed by corneal esterase
Lower IOP by increasing AH outflow via the uveoscleral
pathway &decreasing outflow resistance
-> latanoprost, travoprost, bimatoprost, tafluprost, and
latanoprostenebunod
Decrease IOP by 25 -33%
Adverse effects include:-darkening of the iris &periocular
skin, periorbitopathy, conjunctivalhyperemia,
hypertrichosis, trichiasis, and distichiasis
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Manage…
β-Adrenergic Antagonists
Lower IOP by reducing aqueous humor secretion
Decrease IOP by 20 -30%
-> betaxolol, carteolol, levobunolol, metipranolol, & timolol
Adverse effects include:
Systemic -bronchospasm, bradycardia, increased heart block,
systemic hypotension, reduced exercise tolerance,
CNS depression & reduced glucose tolerance and
masking of hypoglycemia in DM patients
Local -corneal anesthesia, punctate keratitis, allergy
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Manage…
α-adrenergic agonists
Decrease IOP primarily by reducing AH production
Lower IOP by 20 -30%
-> Brimonidine, Apraclonidine
Adverse effects include:
Systemic -xerostomia(dry mouth) and lethargy
Local -allergy
Brimonidineshould not be used in infants and young
children -> CNS depression, apnea, bradycardia, and
hypotension
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Manage…
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Decrease aqueous humor production
Reduce IOP by 18–25 % from baseline
Oral -> acetazolamide and methazolamide
Topical -> dorzolamideand brinzolamide
Adverse Effects include:
-taste disturbance, blurred vision, burning upon instillation, &
punctate keratopathy
-paresthesiasof the fingers or toes, loss of energy, anorexia,
weight loss, depression, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea,
loss of libido, impotence, and taste disturbance
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Manage…
ParasympathomimeticAgents
Reduce IOP by improving outflow facility
Pilocarpinecan reduce IOP by 15%–25%
Indirect-acting agents inhibit the enzyme
acetylcholinesterase, thereby prolonging &enhancing
the action of naturally secreted acetylcholine
Adverse Effects include:
Direct -Induced myopia, brow ache, increased postoperative
inflammation, paradoxical angle closure
Indirect -cataract, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased
salivation, bronchospasm, and even enuresis
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Manage…
Hyperosmotic Agents
Used to control acute episodes of severely elevated IOP
Reduce IOP by creating osmotic gradient b/n the blood
& VH (decreasing water in vitreous)
-> mannitol, glycerin, urea
They become less effective over time, and a rebound
elevation in IOP may occur
Adverse effects include:-headache, confusion, backache,
acute CHF, & myocardial infarction
Should be avoided in patients with cardiac, pulmonary,
or renal dysfunction
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Manage…
Combined Medications
Have the potential benefits of improved convenience
and patient adherence
Fixed combinations
-> timolol+ dorzolamideor brinzolamide
-> timolo+ brimonidine
-> timolo+ latanoprost, travoprost, or bimatoprost
-> brimonidine+ brinzolamide
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Manage…
Surgical Management
Lower IOP by reducing resistance to aqueous humor outflow
or reducing aqueous production
Can be broadly categorized into laser & incisional procedures
Usually undertaken when :
-> there is either documented progressive glaucomatous
damage or a high risk of further damage despite
maximally tolerated medical therapy
-> medical treatment is not appropriate, not tolerated, or
not properly used by a particular patient
Incisional surgery is the first-line treatment for primary
congenital glaucoma
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