Is high intraocular pressure always glaucoma?

Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by typical optic nerve atrophy and visual field defects, with high intraocular pressure and visual field loss as features. Clinically, some patients have long-term high intraocular pressure but do not exhibit optic nerve and visual field damage. This condition is not called glaucoma, but is referred to as ocular hypertension. Meanwhile, some patients may have normal eye pressure but still exhibit typical glaucoma optic nerve damage and visual field defects; this condition is called normal-tension glaucoma. Therefore, high intraocular pressure does not necessarily indicate glaucoma, and normal intraocular pressure can also potentially be glaucoma.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Can children have glaucoma?

Children can develop glaucoma. Congenital glaucoma typically presents within the first year of life and is more common in boys. The disease onset before the age of two to three years leads to increased eye pressure, which results in the enlargement of the eyeball. This manifests as photophobia, tearing, and eyelid spasms. Once diagnosed, early surgical treatment is recommended. For children under three years old, the preferred surgical procedures are trabeculectomy or goniotomy. As children are in a developmental stage and have poorer overall tolerance, anti-glaucoma medications are only suitable for short-term bridging treatment.

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Written by Hu Shu Fang
Ophthalmology
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Is it serious if glaucoma causes the pupil to enlarge?

Glaucoma is divided into many types, but the most common are primary angle-closure glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma. In these patients, if the pupil dilates or enlarges, the angle of the chamber becomes narrower, leading to increased intraocular pressure, which we refer to as an acute attack of glaucoma. After an attack, patients may experience headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, it is crucial for glaucoma patients to minimize the time spent in dark rooms to prevent pupil dilation and avoid triggering an acute attack of glaucoma.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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The difference between open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma

Primary angle-closure glaucoma is a type of glaucoma caused by the peripheral iris blocking the trabecular meshwork, or permanently adhering to the trabecular meshwork, obstructing the outflow of aqueous humor, leading to increased intraocular pressure. It is characterized by a narrow angle and the anatomical feature of the peripheral iris being prone to contact with the trabecular meshwork. Gonioscopy confirming angle closure is an important diagnostic criterion. The characteristic of open-angle glaucoma, however, is that even though intraocular pressure is elevated, the angle remains open, with the obstruction of aqueous outflow occurring at the trabecular meshwork system.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
45sec home-news-image

Is high intraocular pressure always glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by typical optic nerve atrophy and visual field defects, with high intraocular pressure and visual field loss as features. Clinically, some patients have long-term high intraocular pressure but do not exhibit optic nerve and visual field damage. This condition is not called glaucoma, but is referred to as ocular hypertension. Meanwhile, some patients may have normal eye pressure but still exhibit typical glaucoma optic nerve damage and visual field defects; this condition is called normal-tension glaucoma. Therefore, high intraocular pressure does not necessarily indicate glaucoma, and normal intraocular pressure can also potentially be glaucoma.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
49sec home-news-image

How to deal with vomiting in glaucoma?

Nausea and vomiting caused by glaucoma should be actively treated with pressure reduction. Antihypertensive eye drops include Timolol eye drops, Brinzolamide eye drops, and Pilocarpine eye drops. If the effect is not satisfactory, oral administration can also be considered. Common oral medications include Acetazolamide, and systemic use of Mannitol. If necessary, anterior chamber paracentesis can be performed. This series of active treatments can completely control intraocular pressure and relieve symptoms. Eye symptoms mainly include redness, swelling, pain, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, vision decline, headache, nausea, and vomiting. (Please follow the doctor's orders when using medication.)