Glaucoma

1. Glaucoma Presented by: Angela Garcia Denniqua Holloway Maria Pimentel Jessica Vaughn Menefee

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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/con- 20024042 • 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