Glaucoma

A group of disorders characterized by
- Increased IOP and consequences of elevated pressure
- Optic nerve atrophy
- Peripheral visual field loss
Second leading cause of blindness in U.S.
Leading cause of blindness in African Americans
- Many are unaware
- Incidence increases with age
- Preventable
- Genetic traits

Etiology and pathophysiology

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)
- Most common type of glaucoma
- Outflow of aqueous humor is ↓ in trabecular meshwork
- Develops slowly
- No symptoms
- Unnoticed until peripheral vision is severely compromised
Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG)
- Angle closure ↓ the flow of aqueous humor
- Caused by age, pupil dilation
- Possibly drug induced

Clinical manifestation

PACG
- Sudden onset
  - Excruciating pain in or around eyes
  - Nausea and vomiting
  - Seeing colored halos around lights
  - Blurred vision
  - Ocular redness
- IOP elevated in glaucoma
  - Normal IOP 10 to 21 mm Hg
  - Open-angle glaucoma 22 to 32 mm Hg
  - Acute angle-closure glaucoma >50 mm Hg

Interprofessional Care

Acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Miotics
  - Decreased visual acuity in dim light
- Oral/IV hyperosmotic
- Laser peripheral iridotomy
- Surgical iridectomy

Cold Versus Flu

For Everyone AUG. 8, 2024 ESPAÑOL PURPOSE Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses.

Ebola Disease Basics

For Everyone JUNE 2, 2026 ESPAÑOL KEY POINTS Ebola disease is caused by an infection with an orthoebolavirus. Orthoebolaviruses are found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.