Questions & AnswersLatest Questions and Answers I am writing concerning the link between missing or additional DNA and childhood glaucoma. Do these findings apply to those patients who are diagnosed in their late 20s? [ 12/03/08 ]
Juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) is a form of glaucoma that affects patients in early adulthood. It has been shown to have a genetic basis in some cases. JOAG is associated with mutations in the genes for myocilin (MYOC) and a cytochrome protein (CYP1B1). The latter gene (CYP1B1) is associated with some cases of congenital glaucoma. Mutations in these genes include missing or additional DNA and substitutions in the DNA code itself. However, not all cases of JOAG are linked with these mutations. I have pseudoexfoliation and glaucoma in both eyes. Although my eye pressure runs a bit high, my glaucoma is under control. Last February, I had a cataract removed from my right eye, and for several weeks my pressure was off the chart. I had to have my eye drained several times. I have read that those with pseudoexfoliation probably have the same condition in all their organs. Is there any basis for this theory and is there any indication that this condition might harm other organs? [ 12/03/08 ]
Pseudoexfoliation is a disorder of extracellular substance metabolism. It is a systemic process that can be associated with glaucoma and weakness of the lens-support apparatus. Pseudoexfoliation material has been identified in other organ systems of patients with eye disease; however, there has been no indication that this condition causes systemic disease. Many researchers are studying pseudoexfoliation in order to understand more about this condition. When I woke up yesterday, my right eye was red, light sensitive, and sore during eye movements. There is no discharge of any kind. It was recommended that I see an ophthalmologist and be tested for glaucoma. Can the pressure in the eye change on its own? Should I see an eye doctor? [ 11/20/08 ]
Pain, redness, and light-sensitivity are symptoms that are associated with numerous ocular conditions, including dry eye, conjunctivitis, iritis, episcleritis, narrow-angle glaucoma, and others. Narrow-angle glaucoma can cause redness, light-sensitivity, and blurred vision, and is often associated with headache and nausea. The eye pressure can change on its own, especially in a patient with narrow angles who may be experiencing intermittent angle-closure attacks. An eye doctor will be able to help diagnosis the source of your symptoms. I recently attended a health fair and had my vision checked. A test for glaucoma was performed and I was told that my pressure levels were 20 in my left eye and 22 in my right eye. Are these eye pressure readings normal? By the way, I also suffer from intense migraines once a month and hate sunlight. [ 11/20/08 ]
The average eye pressure is 16 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The range of traditionally normal eye pressure is 10 - 22 mmHg. However, each eye is unique, and a pressure of 20 - 22 mmHg can be too high for the health of the optic nerve in certain individuals. In fact, a pressure of 16 mmHg can be too high for some optic nerves. A full eye exam with an evaluation of the structure and function of the optic nerve by an eye care provider should identify if these eye pressures are normal for your eyes. I have been diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma. Three years ago, my intraocular pressure was 40. My field of vision continues to degrade. What should I do? [ 11/20/08 ]
The treatment of open-angle glaucoma involves the reduction of eye pressure to halt disease progression. If you continue to have deterioration of your visual field, you likely need lower intraocular pressure. Additionally, other conditions that can cause optic nerve damage may need to be investigated. You should seek the opinion of a glaucoma specialist regarding treatment options. I cannot see well out of my right eye; however, the vision in my left eye is fine. My sister told me that I should wear my glasses so that my left eye does not have to do all of the work. She believes that not wearing the glasses can cause eye problems. Should I wear my glasses on a regular basis even though I don’t think I need them? Can wearing glasses reduce my chances of getting glaucoma? [ 11/20/08 ]
Wearing glasses that fully correct your refractive error in your right eye so that both eyes are strong may improve some aspects of your vision such as your depth perception and stereo acuity. Not wearing glasses to correct the vision in the right eye will not cause damage to the left eye from overwork, nor will wearing glasses affect your likelihood of developing glaucoma. It would be prudent for you to follow-up with your eye doctor concerning your vision questions. Recently I was diagnosed with phlyctenules in my right eye. I have been taking steroids for over a week. Symptoms have improved, but at the same time my vision has become blurry. Is this symptom related to secondary glaucoma and a side effect of the steroids? [ 11/05/08 ]
Phlyctenules occur in patients as an immune reaction to normal skin bacteria. Treatment with steroids helps to resolve this medical problem. Phlyctenules can cause blurred vision by disturbing the clarity of the ocular surface. Treatment with steroids can lead to increased eye pressure, but the incidence is low (5%) from short-term steroid use. Prolonged (6 months or more) use of topical steroids can cause increased eye pressure in up to 50% of patients. If you are concerned about your eye pressure, you should see your eye care provider for a pressure check. I am an African American with no family history of glaucoma or any other eye disease, and I am not diabetic. Is it possible that the glaucoma is related to my military service in the Gulf? [ 11/05/08 ]
It is unlikely that your glaucoma is related to military service in the Gulf. There are no endemic infectious diseases or environmental exposures that would cause glaucoma in these areas. Search for a Question
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is a public service of the American Health Assistance Foundation, and should not in any way substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended to constitute medical advice. Although we take efforts to keep the medical information on our website updated, we cannot guarantee that the information on our website reflects the most up-to-date research. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice; all medications and supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. The American Health Assistance Foundation does not endorse any medical product or therapy. Some of the content in this section is adapted from other sources, which are clearly identified within each individual item of information. Last Reviewed On: 11/21/08 |
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