Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
10:10
Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
Lifetime visual disability in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Eva Forsman1, Tero Kivelä, Eija Vesti
1Population Genetics Unit, Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. eforsman@elisanet.fi
Journal of Glaucoma
|April 18, 2007
Summary
This study found that 14% of patients with treated glaucoma or ocular hypertension became blind, with advanced disease, fluctuating eye pressure, exfoliation syndrome, and poor compliance being key risk factors for vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Glaucoma and ocular hypertension are leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.
- Effective management aims to prevent vision loss, but long-term outcomes require study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the lifetime incidence of blindness in patients with treated glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
- To identify factors associated with the development of blindness in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 106 deceased patients (1991-2002) diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma, exfoliation glaucoma, or ocular hypertension.
- Evaluation of clinical records, causes of death, and visual status (acuity and visual fields) at the last visit.
Main Results:
- 14% of patients were bilaterally blind at their last visit; 16% were visually handicapped.
- Glaucoma caused blindness in one or both eyes in 15% of patients.
- Risk factors for blindness included advanced glaucoma at diagnosis, intraocular pressure fluctuations, exfoliation syndrome, and poor patient compliance.
Conclusions:
- Blindness in glaucoma patients is linked to disease severity at diagnosis and treatment adherence.
- Exfoliation syndrome and fluctuating intraocular pressure are significant contributors to vision loss.
- The cumulative incidence of bilateral blindness from glaucoma was 6%.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...