Glaucoma is a group of diseases of the optic nerve involving loss of retinal ganglion cells in a characteristic pattern of optic neuropathy. Although raised intraocular pressure is a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma, there is no set threshold for intraocular pressure that causes glaucoma. One person may develop nerve damage at a relatively low pressure, while another person may have high eye pressures for years and yet never develop damage. Untreated glaucoma leads to permanent damage of the optic nerve and resultant visual field loss, which can progress to blindness.

Types

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The most common type, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) (), frequently has no symptoms and has been nicknamed "the sneak thief of sight". One factor may be a relative obstruction on the outflow of aqueous humour from the eye. Aqueous humour is produced by the epithelium lining the eye's ciliary body which then flows through the pupil and into the anterior chamber. The trabecular meshwork then drains the humour to Schlemm's canal, and ultimately to the venous system. All eyes have some intraocular pressure, which is caused by some resistance to the flow of aqueous through the trabeculum and Schlemm's canal. If the intraocular pressure (IOP) is too high, (>21.5 mm Hg), the pressure exerted on the walls of the eye results in compression of the ocular structures. However, other factors such as disturbances of blood flow in the optic nerve head may interact with IOP to affect the optic nerve. In one third of cases of POAG there is statistically normal IOP. This is called normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Because optic nerve examination and perimetry testing are not always done in addition to IOP measurement in those at risk, NTG is underdiagnosed and the condition presents late. Pigmentary glaucoma, caused by pigment dispersion syndrome, is a form of POAG.

Another type, acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) (), is characterized by an acute rise in the intraocular pressure. This occurs in susceptible eyes when the pupil dilates and blocks the flow of fluid through it, leading to the peripheral iris blocking the trabecular meshwork. Acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause pain and reduced visual acuity (blurred vision), and may lead to irreversible visual loss within a short time. This is an ocular emergency requiring immediate treatment. Many people with glaucoma experience halos around bright lights as well as the loss of sight characterized by the disease.

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THE MOST COMMON CONVENTIONAL SURGERY PERFORMED FOR GLAUCOMA IS THE TRABECULECTOMY
GLOBALGLAUCOMA (GLOBAL GLAUCOMA- MEX) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:57:49 -0000
THE MOST COMMON CONVENTIONAL SURGERY PERFORMED FOR GLAUCOMA IS THE TRABECULECTOMY
LA CIRUGÍA CONVENCIONAL MÁS COMÚN EN EL TRATAMINETO DEL GLAUCOMA ES LA “TRABECULECTOMÍA”
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