Which statement regarding glaucoma is true?
A. If recognized early, the optic neuropathy of glaucoma is reversible.
B. Topical B-adrenergic antagonists have few if any side effect due to their systemic absorption
C. The initial symptom oh optic neuropathy due to glaucoma is loss of central vision
D. None of the above
A. If recognized early, the optic neuropathy of glaucoma is reversible.
B. Topical B-adrenergic antagonists have few if any side effect due to their systemic absorption
C. The initial symptom oh optic neuropathy due to glaucoma is loss of central vision
D. None of the above
Ans. D.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible
blindness in the world. When sufficient axinal loss occurs, peripheral vision
declines. Loss of central vision occurs much later in the disease process.
Retinopathy due to glaucoma is irreversible. Treatment is focused on lowering
intraocular pressure. Reduction in intracecular pressure has been demonstrated
to protect against further damage to the optic nerve. Closed-angle glaucoma is
more common among Asians. The Schwatz tonometer, due to the fact that it is
inexpensive, is the most frequently used device to measure intraoccular
pressure. It is used in both hospitals and outpatient clinics. β-Adrenergic
antagonists are one of the more commonly used drugs and are initially started
as a topical agent. Unfortunately, excess drug drains through the nasolacrimal
duct into the nose and is absorbed into the systemic circulation. Therefore
systemic side effects can occur and may be severe. It is not unusual for
patients to be treated with a bronchodilater drug for new-onset bronchospasms
without the physician considering the use of topical β-adrenergic antagonist,
used for glaucoma treatment, which may have contributed to the condition.
