Etiology and Clinical Features of Glaucoma

Primary and Secondary Glaucoma: Causes and Differences

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders characterized by progressive optic neuropathy, often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP). It can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

Etiology of Glaucoma

Glaucoma can be classified into primary and secondary types based on its cause:

• Primary Glaucoma: Occurs without any identifiable secondary cause. The most common types are primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).
• Secondary Glaucoma: Develops due to underlying conditions such as trauma, inflammation, steroid use, or systemic diseases like diabetes.

Clinical Features

Patients with glaucoma often remain asymptomatic until advanced disease stages. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision (POAG)
• Sudden onset of eye pain, headaches, and blurred vision (PACG)
• Elevated IOP detected via tonometry
• Optic nerve cupping observed on fundoscopic examination

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis of glaucoma is based on clinical examination, tonometry, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and perimetry tests. Treatment strategies include:

• Medications (e.g., prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers)
• Laser therapy (trabeculoplasty, iridotomy)
• Surgical intervention in advanced cases (trabeculectomy, drainage implants)