Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness globally after cataracts. It is a distinct optical neuropathy, which results in characteristic nerve damage and a typical pattern of visual field loss often associated with excess fluid pressure in the eyeball. It can affect all age groups generally and the recognized risk factors are increased intraocular pressure, aging, family history, high myopia, systematic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, migraine headaches, peripheral vasospasm and prior nerve disease. It is a significant cause of blindness in the US and other industrialized countries. The major types of glaucoma have been identified are primary open angle glaucoma, primary acute close angle glaucoma and primary congenital glaucoma. Open angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma in which the structures of eye appear normal but fluid in the eye does not flow properly through the drain of the eye whereas close angle glaucoma is less common but can cause a sudden buildup of pressure in the eye. The visual damage incurred from glaucoma is irreversible and can cause permanent blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated but can be treated if recognized at early stage. Treatment options for glaucoma include medications, laser therapy and incisional therapy.
Journal articles are most often Primary Research Articles. However, they can also be Review Articles. These types of articles have different aims and requirements. Sometimes, an article describes a new tool or method. Because articles in scientific journals are specific, meticulously cited and peer-reviewed, journal databases are the best place to look for information on previous research on your species. Without a background in the field, journal articles may be hard to understand - however, you do not need to understand an entire article to be able to get valuable information from it.
Last date updated on November, 2024