Signs of Glaucoma (Elevated eye pressure)

Description

Disorder in which the pressure within the eye is increased. It results from the excess production of fluid within the front of the eye. Normally, the fluid produced is absorbed at the same rate. When this balance is upset, pressure may build up in the eye. If the abnormally high pressure is not reduced damage to the nerve of the eye (optic nerve) can occur resulting in the loss of sight.

Symptoms

Decreased vision, pain, nausea, visual disturbances, headache, eye redness.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Intraocular pressures will be measured.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
Ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment consists of glaucoma medications, and/or surgery. The medications include eye drops and oral medications. The most common eye drops are beta-blockers (levobunolol/Betagan, timolol/Timoptic, betaxolol/Betoptic, metipranolol/OptiPranolol), alpha-agonists (apraclonidine/Iopidine, brimonidine/Alphagan), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide/Trusopt, brinzolamide/Azopt), prostaglandins (latanoprost/Xalatan, bimatoprost/Lumigan, travoprost/Travatan), miotic or cholinergic drugs (pilocarpine/Pilopine, carbachol/Isopto Carbachol), and epinephrine agents (dipivefrin/Propine). The oral medications most commonly used are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: acetazolamide/Diamox and methazolamide/Neptazane. Glaucoma Research Foundation: (800)826-6693