Glaucoma So what is it? By Brian Yearwood, Jane Herndon, Jerri- Lynn Throgmorton, Kelsey McPherson

What is It…. Glaucoma is a condition which occurs due to pressure build up inside the eye due to lack of drainage of fluid. It is one of the most common eye conditions in America affecting between 2-3 million people, and is a major cause of blindness.

How it Affects Vision Glaucoma is a progressive condition which starts at the peripheral vision and slowly works its way to the central vision. If untreated it will eventually overtake the entire vision (blindness).

Symptoms It is not a noticeable condition until there is evident vision loss, hence the name, “Sneak Thief of Sight.” Damage to the optic nerve is gradual and painless to the patient. Symptoms of the patient can include – Blurred Vision – Sensitivity to light – Nausia

Symptoms Continued – Halos around lights – Bulging eyes – Cloudy corneas – Excessive tearing – Complaint of visual field loss in the side

Types of Glaucoma Open Angle – Most common Symptom free at first Affects 1% of all Americans50 years and older Leading cause of blindness among African Americans Narrow Angle – Where drainage occurs is narrow

Types of Glaucoma Cont. Other Types Might Include Congenital – Occurs at birth Low tension – Low Blood pressure Traumatic – Blunt force trauma Pigmentary Dispersion - Genetic Neovascular – Secondary Glaucoma (Diabeties) Blocks the drain trabecular mesh work

Treatments Medication-eye drops, beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, alpha-2 agonists Surgery-Laser trabebuloplasty (increase fluid drainage), Laser iridotomy (hole in iris allows fluid to drain and relive pressure), Filtering surgery (cut hole in wall of eye to allow fluid to drain), Shunt procedure (tubes placed in eye to allow fluid to drain), Cyclodestructive procedures (destroy certain areas of ciliary body, produces fluid)

Tests to determine Topography-laser that scans optic nerve HfA Humphrey-shows blind spots and vision loss Tonopen-touches cornea to messure pressure Goldmann Visual Field Tonometer-eye pressure, puff of air

Functional Implications Have difficulties seeing black boards and overheads Distance materials Peripheral vision Difficulty reading Issues with contrast and lighting Mobility

Educational Accomadations Braille note CCTV Victor Reader Classic Seating that accomadates visual fields Laptop Large print Not high in contrast

Cont. Accomadations O & M training Appropriate objects for lighting Other Literacy Media (if needed)