Glaucoma Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is NOT a feature of Primary Infantile (Congenital) glaucoma?

Aniridia may be associated. ***Aniridia may be associated*** - **Aniridia** is a congenital absence of the iris that causes **secondary glaucoma**, not primary infantile glaucoma. - Aniridia-associated glaucoma is a distinct entity from primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), which occurs due to isolated developmental abnormalities of the anterior chamber angle. - This is **NOT a feature** of primary infantile glaucoma, making it the correct answer to this negation question. *Treatment includes trabeculotomy* - **Trabeculotomy** or **goniotomy** are the primary surgical treatments for primary infantile glaucoma. - These procedures aim to improve aqueous outflow by incising or opening the trabecular meshwork. - This is a **true feature** of the management of primary infantile glaucoma. *Buphthalmos can occur* - **Buphthalmos** (\"ox eye\") refers to the enlargement of the globe due to elevated intraocular pressure in infants when the sclera is still distensible. - It is a **classic clinical sign** of primary infantile glaucoma, typically occurring before age 3 years. - This is a **characteristic feature** of the condition. *Cornea is typically enlarged and cloudy* - The **cornea becomes enlarged** (increased horizontal corneal diameter >12 mm in newborns) due to stretching from elevated IOP. - **Corneal cloudiness** results from corneal edema and Haab's striae (breaks in Descemet's membrane). - These are **pathognomonic findings** in primary infantile glaucoma.

Q: What is the primary function of glaucoma drainage devices?

Drain aqueous humour to an external device. **Drain aqueous humour to an external device** - Glaucoma drainage devices create an artificial outflow pathway, channeling excess **aqueous humour** from the anterior chamber to an external reservoir (usually under the conjunctiva) to lower intraocular pressure. - This bypasses the compromised natural drainage system, preventing further damage to the **optic nerve**. *Drain aqueous humour to the posterior segment* - Glaucoma drainage devices are designed to drain aqueous humour from the **anterior segment** (specifically the anterior chamber) of the eye, not the posterior segment. - The posterior segment primarily contains the **vitreous humour**, and drainage to this area is not the intended mechanism for IOP reduction. *Open the trabeculae mechanically* - Glaucoma drainage devices do not mechanically open the **trabecular meshwork**; this is the mechanism of action for procedures like goniotomy or trabeculoplasty. - These devices create an entirely new drainage pathway, bypassing the dysfunctional trabecular meshwork. *Reduce the aqueous secretion by compressing the ciliary epithelium* - Reducing aqueous humour secretion is the mechanism of action for medications like **beta-blockers** or **carbonic anhydrase inhibitors**, which act on the **ciliary epithelium**. - Glaucoma drainage devices focus on increasing outflow, not on reducing the production of aqueous humour.

Q: What is the most common etiopathogenetic cause of glaucoma?

Decreased outflow. ***Decreased outflow*** - The most common cause of glaucoma is an **obstruction** or inefficiency in the drainage of **aqueous humor** from the eye, leading to its accumulation. - This reduced outflow results in an increase in **intraocular pressure (IOP)**, which damages the optic nerve. *Raised pressure in episcleral veins* - While elevated episcleral venous pressure can contribute to increased IOP and glaucoma, it is a **less common primary etiopathogenetic mechanism** compared to impaired outflow facility. - Conditions like **Sturge-Weber syndrome** or an **arteriovenous fistula** can cause this, but they are not the typical presentation of primary open-angle glaucoma. *Increased formation of aqueous humour* - An increase in the production of **aqueous humor** is rarely the primary cause of glaucoma. - The eye's regulatory mechanisms usually compensate, or if overproduction occurs, it is an **anatomical issue**, not an outflow issue. *Increased scleral outflow* - Increased **scleral outflow** (also known as uveoscleral outflow, which is a non-conventional drainage pathway) would actually lead to a **decrease** in intraocular pressure, not an increase. - This mechanism is often targeted by certain glaucoma medications (e.g., **prostaglandin analogues**) to lower IOP by facilitating drainage.

Q: What is the first-line treatment for acute angle closure glaucoma?

Acetazolamide. **Acetazolamide** - **Acetazolamide** (oral or intravenous) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that rapidly reduces intraocular pressure by decreasing aqueous humor production, making it the **first-line medical treatment** for acute angle-closure glaucoma. - While other agents are used, acetazolamide provides the quickest and most significant initial reduction in **intraocular pressure (IOP)**, which is crucial in preventing permanent vision loss. *IV mannitol* - **Intravenous mannitol** is an osmotic diuretic used to draw fluid from the vitreous humor to lower **IOP** significantly, but it is typically reserved for cases where **acetazolamide** alone is insufficient or for very high **IOPs**. - It is often considered a second-line or adjunctive agent rather than the initial first-line treatment. *Pilocarpine* - **Pilocarpine** is a miotic agent that constricts the pupil, which helps to pull the iris away from the trabecular meshwork and open the angle. - However, it should only be administered *after* the **intraocular pressure** has been significantly lowered (e.g., with acetazolamide), as it can worsen angle closure in an inflamed eye with very high **IOP**. *Beta blocker eyedrops* - **Topical beta-blockers** (e.g., timolol) reduce **IOP** by decreasing aqueous humor production and are a common treatment for various types of glaucoma. - While useful in acute angle-closure glaucoma, they act more slowly than **acetazolamide** and are typically used as an adjunct rather than the sole initial first-line treatment.

Q: Drug of choice for open angle glaucoma:

Latanoprost. ***Latanoprost*** - **Prostaglandin F2α analogs** like latanoprost are generally considered **first-line therapy** for open-angle glaucoma due to their efficacy and once-daily dosing. - They work by **increasing uveoscleral outflow** of aqueous humor, thereby lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). *Acetazolamide* - **Acetazolamide** is a **carbonic anhydrase inhibitor** that reduces aqueous humor production. - It is typically used for **acute angle-closure glaucoma** or when initial treatments fail, often due to systemic side effects with long-term use. *Timolol* - **Timolol** is a **non-selective beta-blocker** that reduces aqueous humor production. - While effective, it is often a second-line agent or used in combination due to potential systemic side effects like **bronchospasm** and **bradycardia**. *Brimonidine* - **Brimonidine** is an **alpha-2 adrenergic agonist** that reduces aqueous humor production and increases uveoscleral outflow. - It is typically used as a second-line agent or in combination therapy due to potential side effects like **ocular pruritus** and **allergic conjunctivitis**.

Q: What is the most common symptom associated with congenital glaucoma?

Excessive tearing. ***Excessive tearing*** - **Epiphora**, or excessive tearing, is one of the most common early symptoms of **congenital glaucoma** in infants. - This symptom occurs due to **corneal irritation** and **damage** resulting from elevated intraocular pressure. *Eye pain* - While glaucoma can cause eye pain, it is less commonly reported as the *initial* and *most frequent* symptom in **congenital glaucoma** in infants who cannot verbalize their discomfort. - **Irritability** or excessive crying might be indirect signs of pain, but tearing is a more direct and observable sign. *Sensitivity to light* - **Photophobia**, or sensitivity to light, is another common symptom of congenital glaucoma. - However, **excessive tearing** often precedes or co-occurs with photophobia as an initial presenting symptom in infants. *Itching of the eyes* - **Ocular itching** is typically associated with **allergic conjunctivitis** or other inflammatory conditions, not directly with congenital glaucoma. - Itching is not a primary or common symptom of elevated intraocular pressure in infants.

Q: Which Goldmann type is considered the standard in perimetry?

Goldmann type III (commonly used stimulus size). ***Goldmann type III (commonly used stimulus size)*** - This stimulus size is the **international standard** for kinetic perimetry and ensures comparability of visual field charts worldwide. - It provides a balance between **sensitivity** and minimizing the effects of **pupil size** and other ocular factors. *Goldmann type I (small stimulus size)* - While very small, this stimulus type is **not the standard** for general perimetry. - It is sometimes used for detecting **subtle defects** or for patients with very good visual acuity, but its small size can make it harder to detect. *Goldmann type II (medium-small stimulus size)* - This stimulus size is **smaller than the standard** and is not universally adopted for perimetry. - It offers slightly more sensitivity than the standard but can be more affected by **refractive errors** or media opacities. *Goldmann type IV (large stimulus size)* - This stimulus is **much larger than the standard** and is typically used for detecting **gross defects** or in patients with severely impaired vision. - Its large size makes it **less sensitive** to smaller visual field abnormalities.

Q: Van Herick angle grade '3' of anterior chamber denotes

Moderately open angle. ***Moderately open angle*** - A **Von Herick angle grade 3** indicates that the width of the peripheral anterior chamber is approximately **one-quarter to one-half** the thickness of the peripheral cornea. - This assessment suggests a **moderately open anterior chamber angle**, indicating that while there is some risk of angle closure, it is not immediately narrow. *Wide open angle* - A **wide open angle** is typically represented by a **Von Herick grade 4**, where the anterior chamber angle is as wide or wider than the corneal thickness. - This grade signifies a **low risk of angle closure** and good aqueous outflow. *Narrow angle* - A **narrow angle** is generally associated with **Von Herick grades 1 or 2**, where the anterior chamber is significantly shallower. - Grade 1 indicates an angle width of **less than one-quarter** of peripheral corneal thickness, posing a higher risk of angle closure. *Closed angle* - A **closed angle** represents an extreme case where the **iris is in contact with the trabecular meshwork**, blocking aqueous outflow. - This condition is not typically graded in the Von Herick system as an existent angle, but rather as an absence of a visible angle (grade 0 or **"slit"**).

Q: Type of laser used for iridotomy?

Nd:YAG laser. ***Nd:YAG laser*** - The **Nd:YAG laser** is the most commonly used laser for performing a laser peripheral iridotomy due to its ability to create a small perforation in the iris. - Its **photodisruptive** mechanism allows for precise tissue disruption with minimal thermal damage to surrounding structures. *Excimer laser* - **Excimer lasers** operate in the **ultraviolet (UV) spectrum** and are primarily used in refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK) for corneal reshaping. - They are not suitable for iridotomy due to their limited penetrating ability and potential for corneal damage. *Krypton laser* - **Krypton lasers** produce red and yellow light, and were historically used for **photocoagulation** in retinal diseases. - They are not typically used for iridotomy as their primary mechanism is thermal coagulation rather than tissue disruption. *Diode laser* - **Diode lasers** are used in ophthalmology for various applications, including **photocoagulation** in the retina and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for glaucoma. - While they can deliver energy to tissues, they are generally less effective and precise for creating a peripheral iridotomy compared to the Nd:YAG laser.

Q: What are the characteristic features of Posner-Schlossman syndrome?

Unilateral glaucomatous changes with mild anterior uveitis. ***Unilateral glaucomatous changes with mild anterior uveitis*** - Posner-Schlossman syndrome, also known as **glaucomatocyclitic crisis**, is characterized by recurrent, acute attacks of **unilateral elevated intraocular pressure** (glaucomatous changes). - These attacks are accompanied by **mild anterior uveitis**, which typically presents with few or no precipitates and minimal redness. *Ipsilateral optic atrophy with contralateral papilloedema* - This constellation of symptoms, known as **Foster Kennedy syndrome**, is associated with intracranial masses, not Posner-Schlossman syndrome. - It involves **optic atrophy** in one eye due to direct pressure on the optic nerve and **papilledema** in the other eye due to increased intracranial pressure. *Granulomatous uveitis with iris heterochromia* - **Granulomatous uveitis** is characterized by large mutton-fat keratic precipitates and often seen in diseases like sarcoidosis or tuberculosis, which is not typical for Posner-Schlossman. - **Iris heterochromia** (different colored irises) is a characteristic feature of **Fuchs' heterochromic cyclitis**, another form of chronic anterior uveitis, but not Posner-Schlossman syndrome. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect as one of the provided choices accurately describes the characteristic features of Posner-Schlossman syndrome. - The other options describe different ophthalmological conditions.

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a feature of Primary Infantile (Congenital) glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Aniridia may be associated

Answer

Treatment includes trabeculotomy

Answer

Buphthalmos can occur

Answer

Cornea is typically enlarged and cloudy.

Question 2

What is the primary function of glaucoma drainage devices?

Accepted Answer

Drain aqueous humour to an external device

Answer

Drain aqueous humour to the posterior segment

Answer

Open the trabeculae mechanically

Answer

Reduce the aqueous secretion by compressing the ciliary epithelium

Question 3

What is the most common etiopathogenetic cause of glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Decreased outflow

Answer

Raised pressure in episcleral veins

Answer

Increased formation of aqueous humour

Answer

Increased scleral outflow

Question 4

What is the first-line treatment for acute angle closure glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Acetazolamide

Answer

Pilocarpine

Answer

Beta blocker eyedrops

Answer

IV mannitol

Question 5

Drug of choice for open angle glaucoma:

Accepted Answer

Latanoprost

Answer

Acetazolamide

Answer

Brimonidine

Answer

Timolol

Question 6

What is the most common symptom associated with congenital glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Excessive tearing

Answer

Eye pain

Answer

Sensitivity to light

Answer

Itching of the eyes

Question 7

Which Goldmann type is considered the standard in perimetry?

Accepted Answer

Goldmann type III (commonly used stimulus size)

Answer

Goldmann type I (small stimulus size)

Answer

Goldmann type II (medium-small stimulus size)

Answer

Goldmann type IV (large stimulus size)

Question 8

Van Herick angle grade '3' of anterior chamber denotes

Accepted Answer

Moderately open angle

Answer

Wide open angle

Answer

Closed angle

Answer

Narrow angle

Question 9

Type of laser used for iridotomy?

Accepted Answer

Nd:YAG laser

Answer

Excimer laser

Answer

Krypton laser

Answer

Diode laser

Question 10

What are the characteristic features of Posner-Schlossman syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral glaucomatous changes with mild anterior uveitis

Answer

Ipsilateral optic atrophy with contralateral papilloedema

Answer

Granulomatous uveitis with iris heterochromia

Answer

None of the options

Glaucoma — MCQs

Glaucoma — MCQs

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