Posts

Glaucoma

Image
   Glaucoma Glaucoma, the second leading cause of permanent blindness in the United States, predominantly affects older adults. Glaucoma is not a single disease process but a group of disorders characterized by a progressive optic nerve neuropathy resulting in a characteristic appearance of the optic disc and a specific pattern of an irreversible visual field defect that are associated frequently but not invariably with raised IOP.  It encompasses four main types: primary open-angle and angle-closure, secondary open and angle-closure glaucoma. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most prevalent type in the US. Glaucoma is characterized by the gradual loss of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve fibers, resulting in a distinct appearance of the optic nerve head and progressive vision impairment, notably peripheral vision loss. POAG often presents without symptoms until advanced stages, highlighting the importance of regular eye exams for early detection. Conversely,...

Retinopathy of prematurity - ROP

Image
  INTRODUCTION:  Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) stands as a formidable challenge in the realm of neonatal care, posing a significant threat to the delicate ocular health of premature infants. As these tiny newborns undergo life-saving oxygen therapy, an unintended consequence unfolds within their developing retinas – a cascade of vascular and capillary proliferation that marks the onset of ROP. This disease, characterized by aberrant vessel growth, holds the potential to inflict irreversible damage upon the retina, including daunting complications such as retinal detachment and macular folds. Guidelines for screening, the cornerstone of combating this leading cause of childhood blindness, hinge upon a nuanced interplay of factors, notably gestational age and birth weight. Yet, the complexity of ROP extends beyond these metrics, with numerous contributors augmenting both the incidence and severity of its progression. In the face of this multifaceted challenge, early intervent...