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Glaucoma Research Paper

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Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases that causes damage to the optic nerve fibers and can lead to progressive vision loss or blindness if left untreated. The damage is primarily a result of the buildup of intraocular pressure, which results when an imbalance occurs in the production and drainage of aqueous humour. However, some glaucoma is not distinguished by high intraocular pressure but as optic nerve damage. In the human eye the ciliary body constantly creates aqueous humour to provide sustenance for surrounding tissues. To maintain a healthy balance as new fluid is produced, older fluid must leave the eye through the meshwork drainage system along the periphery of the iris. If too much aqueous humour is produced or the drainage system is not working properly consequently intraocular pressure builds, causing optic nerve fiber damage and deterioration of vision.
The main treatment for glaucoma is topical eye drops, but in cases where a patient is on maximum eye drops and intraocular pressure is not controlled, or the side effects are too extensive, an …show more content…

119), produces a highly concentrated beam of light. In general, laser treatment involves creating either a very small burn or opening in the eye tissue (depending on the strength of the beam) to drain the aqueous humour and release the intraocular pressure. Initially, freezing drops are put into the eye and chin and forehead are placed onto a special microscope called a slit lamp. A special lens is that helps prevent blinking and guides the highly fixed beam of light is then placed in front of the eye. This is then followed by one of several possible laser treatments, chosen depending on the type of glaucoma present: Laser Trabeculoplasty – Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT); Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI); and Diode Laser

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