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Normal Angle
The eye produces a fluid called aqueous
humor. It is produced in the ciliary body and flows
through the pupil and into the trabecular meshwork.
This fluid creates a pressure in the eye which helps
maintain the eye's shape and normal function.
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The Progression of Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and
leads to permanent loss of vision.
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Topometer measures
pressure inside the eye
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Ophthalmoscopy allows the eye doctor
to view the optic nerve for damage. The pictures
of the fundus on the previous page show what the
doctor may see when examining the optic nerve. |
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Diagnosing Glaucoma
Symptoms of Closed-Angle Glaucoma
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Symptoms
- Severe eye pain
- Headaches
- Nausea, vomiting
- Mid-dilated pupil
- Eye red and irritated
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
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The angle between the iris and the
cornea narrows or closes, obstructing the drainage
of aqueous humor.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Treatment for Primary Open-Angle
Glaucoma with Medication
Treatment may include eyedrops and/or
pills
To Instill an Eyedrop
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Sit down, lean back, tilt your head back, and
look up toward your forehead.
- With the index finger of one hand, pull down
the lower eyelid to make a pocket for the drop.
- Hold the bottle over the eye between the thumb
and index finger of the other hand and invert it
with the tip pointed down at a slight angle.
- Carefully squeeze the bottle to release a single
drop into your eyes. Follow your doctor's directions
exactly for the number of drops to use.
- After administering eyedrops, you may want to
close your eyes for a few minute to help distribute
the medicine evenly.
- Sometimes eyedrops may drip down the tear duct
into the throat. If this is bothersome, you can
try applying pressure with your index finger to
the inner corner of your eye for a few seconds
after you've used the eyedrops.
How Medication Work
Laser Surgery
for Closed-Angle Glaucoma
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A highly concentrated beam of laser light
produces an opening
in the iris (iridotomy). A contact lens is
placed over the cornea
to help focus the laser. Sometimes your eye
doctor may treat
more than one spot. |
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The laser opening
allows the fluid behind
the iris to flow forward. |
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Section of trabecular meshwork is teated. The laser
treatment
opens up the channel so the fluid can drain freely.
How You and Your
Medication
Can Help Your Condition
- Understand how your medication works and the
best method for using it.
- Use your medication as directed by your doctor.
- Let your medical doctor know that you have glaucoma
and what medications you are taking.
- Do not stop taking your eye medication without
discussing it with your ophthalmologist.
- If you have a side effect or experience any
changes with your vision or your eyes, call your
eye doctor immediately.
- Have your eyes checked regularly.
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