Runez, Roscoe B.

Types and Treatment of

Glaucoma
TYPES:
Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can
result in vision loss and perhaps blindness. More fluid outflow resistance is provided by the trabecular
meshwork. This results in an increase in eye pressure. Also, in open-angle glaucoma, the iris is
positioned correctly, and the uveoscleral drainage tubes are clean. Nevertheless, the trabecular
meshwork does not drain efficiently.

Close-Angle Glaucoma

Iris enlargement is one of the symptoms of this type of glaucoma. The drainage angle is partially
or entirely blocked by the drooping iris. As a result, the pressure inside the eye rises and fluid is unable
to travel through it. Angle-closure glaucoma can develop slowly or quickly. In closed-angle glaucoma,
both the trabecular meshwork and the uveoscleral drain become blocked. A broken iris often prevents
escape (the colored area of the eye). In closed-angle glaucoma, the iris presses up against the cornea,
blocking the trabecular meshwork and uveoscleral drains.

Congenital Glaucoma

This type of Glaucoma occurs only in childhood where the IOP increases because there is a birth
defect in the development of the angle which resulted in poor development of the eye. This means that
the aqueous humor cannot flow freely, thus, damaging the optic nerve
 TREATMENT

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Initially, eyedrops are given to patients with this disease. commonly nonspecific beta-blocker or
prostaglandin analog drops. If these fail to medicate the patient, then laser treatment and surgery
usually are reserved. Trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage device (tube shunt), and
cyclophotocoagulation are some of the available surgeries.

Closed-Angle Glaucoma

The treatment of this type of glaucoma is similar to that of Open-Angle Glaucoma. However, one
significant difference between the surgical treatment of open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma is the
role of cataract surgery. Because the lens frequently plays a substantial role in the patients' progressive
angle narrowing. The lens rests behind the iris, and as we become older, the iris thickens, resulting in a
steady decrease in the drainage angle. Initial angle-closure suspects should be followed over time
because the situation is dynamic.

Congenital Glaucoma

Congenital glaucoma is treated with an internal trabeculotomy surgery called a goniotomy. a

surgical operation wherein a portion of the drainage system for the trabecular meshwork is removed,
allowing the fluid to exit the eye.