| glaucoma | <ophthalmology> A group of eye diseases characterised by an increase in intraocular pressure which causes pathological changes in the optic disk and typical defects in the field of vision. It can be corrected by the use of laser light to punch a hole in the iris to relieve the intraocular pressure within the eye. The procedure is painless and requires no anaesthesia. (13 Nov 1997) |
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| glaucoma detection | You may know of the air puff test or other tests used to measure eye pressure in an eye examination. But, this test alone cannot detect glaucoma. Glaucoma is found most often during an eye examination through dilated pupils after drops are put into the eyes during the exam to enlarge the pupils. This allows the eye care professional to see more of the inside of the eye to check for signs of glaucoma. (12 Dec 1998) |
| glaucoma fulminans | Acute angle-closure glaucoma rapidly followed by blindness. (05 Mar 2000) |
| glaucoma, neovascular | A form of secondary glaucoma which develops as a consequence of another ocular disease and is attributed to the forming of new vessels in the angle of the anterior chamber. (12 Dec 1998) |
| glaucoma, risk factors | If you belong to a high-risk group for glaucoma, have your eyes examined through dilated pupils every 2 years by an eye care professional. High-risk groups include everyone with a family history of glaucoma, everyone over the age of 60 and any Black over the age of 40. (Among Blacks, studies show that glaucoma is: 5 times more likely to occur in Blacks than in Whites and about 4 times more likely to cause blindness in Blacks than in Whites). (12 Dec 1998) |
| glaucoma, symptoms | at first, there are no symptoms. Vision stays normal, and there is no pain. However, as the disease progress, a person with glaucoma may notice the side vision gradually failing. That is, objects in front may still be seen clearly, but objects to the side may be missed. As the disease worsens, the field of vision narrows and blindness results. (12 Dec 1998) |
| glaucoma treatment | A laser beam of light is focused on the part of the anterior chamber where the fluid leaves the eye. This results in a series of small changes, which makes it easier for fluid to exit the eye. Over time, the effect of laser surgery may wear off. Patients who have this form of surgery may need to keep taking glaucoma drugs. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, it can usually be controlled. Medical treatment can be in the form of eyedrops or pills. Some drugs are designed to reduce pressure by slowing the flow of fluid into the eye, while others help to improve fluid drainage. The regular use of medications usually controls the increased fluid pressure. However, these drugs may stop working over time or they may cause side effects so that the eye care professional may select other drugs, change the dose, or use other means to deal with the glaucoma. Surgery can also help fluid escape from the eye and thereby reduce the pressure. However, surgery is now usually reserved for patients whose pressure cannot be controlled with eyedrops, pills, or laser surgery. (12 Dec 1998) |
| phacogenic glaucoma | Secondary glaucoma caused by either excessive size or spherical shape of the lens. Synonym: phacogenic glaucoma. (05 Mar 2000) |
| phacolytic glaucoma | Glaucoma secondary to hypermature cataract and occlusion of the trabecular drainage meshwork by lens material. (05 Mar 2000) |
| phacomorphic glaucoma | Secondary glaucoma caused by either excessive size or spherical shape of the lens. Synonym: phacogenic glaucoma. (05 Mar 2000) |
| chronic glaucoma | A disorder which is characterised by increased pressure within the eyeball. This occurs secondary to the chronic blockage of normal fluid circulation within the eye. Increased pressure within the eye can cause damage to the optic nerve and eventual blindness. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. Symptoms include decreased vision, halos around lights (worse at night) and mild chronic headaches. Treatment is generally with beta-blocker eyedrops. (27 Sep 1997) |
| pigmentary glaucoma | Glaucoma associated with erosion of pigment from the posterior iris, and with an accumulation of pigment particles in the trabecular meshwork. (05 Mar 2000) |
| combined glaucoma | Glaucoma with angle-closure and open-angle mechanisms in the same eye. (05 Mar 2000) |
| compensated glaucoma | <ophthalmology> A disorder which is characterised by increased pressure within the eyeball. This occurs secondary to the chronic blockage of normal fluid circulation within the eye. Increased pressure within the eye can cause damage to the optic nerve and eventual blindness. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. Symptoms include decreased vision, halos around lights (worse at night) and mild chronic headaches. Treatment is generally with beta-blocker eyedrops. Synonym: chronic glaucoma, compensated glaucoma, simple glaucoma, glaucoma simplex. (22 Sep 2002) |
| congenital glaucoma | An affection of infancy, marked by an increase of intraocular pressure with enlargement of the eyeball. Synonym: congenital glaucoma, hydrophthalmia, hydrophthalmos, hydrophthalmus. Origin: G. Bous, ox, + ophthalmos, eye (05 Mar 2000) |