With this research I hope to not only educate myself, my family and my peers but also help find a cure, or a better way to detect and then treat patients.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Why Glaucoma?
I first became interested in researching Glaucoma after my grandfather was diagnosed with this disease a few years ago, the whole family was scared that he would completely lose his eyesight but after many exams and surgeries he recovered.
With this research I hope to not only educate myself, my family and my peers but also help find a cure, or a better way to detect and then treat patients.
With this research I hope to not only educate myself, my family and my peers but also help find a cure, or a better way to detect and then treat patients.
Body System Affected
The Body system directly affected is the Nervous system, this is because glaucoma directly attacks the eyes, which are responsible for viewing the world and then transmitting this information to the brain, so that the body can have an expected response.
Definition of Disease
So what is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a potential eye blinding disease in which there is gradual damage to the nerve fibers of the optic nerve. It is a disease that directly affects the eyes, they are part of the human’s central nervous system and are responsible for the vision each individual enjoys. Glaucoma develops by ongoing intraocular pressure, which then damages the nerves surrounding the eye. (Ophthalmology: just the facts / [edited by] John I. Loewenstein, Scott Lee. New York: McGraw-Hill, Medical Pub. Division, c2004.)
Glaucoma is a potential eye blinding disease in which there is gradual damage to the nerve fibers of the optic nerve. It is a disease that directly affects the eyes, they are part of the human’s central nervous system and are responsible for the vision each individual enjoys. Glaucoma develops by ongoing intraocular pressure, which then damages the nerves surrounding the eye. (Ophthalmology: just the facts / [edited by] John I. Loewenstein, Scott Lee. New York: McGraw-Hill, Medical Pub. Division, c2004.)
Treatment & Therapy
Glaucoma treatment helps lower intaocular pressure, so that the damage on the optical nerves won't continue. Once this damage stops, the patient's vision is saved. Although the vision loss won't ever be reocuperated due to the fact that optic nerves do not regenerate.
There are two types of treatment for Glaucoma, medication and surgery.
When glaucoma is not as advanced, medication can control IOP [intraocular pressure] , however- surgery is sometimes needed to save the vision that is left.
Two types of surgeries are; laser and filtering microsurgery.
Filtering microsurgery involves creating a drainage hole with the use of a small surgical tool, while the same procedure can be performed with a laser and it's not invasive.
There are two types of treatment for Glaucoma, medication and surgery.
When glaucoma is not as advanced, medication can control IOP [intraocular pressure] , however- surgery is sometimes needed to save the vision that is left.
Two types of surgeries are; laser and filtering microsurgery.
Filtering microsurgery involves creating a drainage hole with the use of a small surgical tool, while the same procedure can be performed with a laser and it's not invasive.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
GLAUCOMA SURGERY
Please take some time to watch these amazing videos...
Video number 1 will give you an animated explanation of the procedure ---while---
Video number 2 will give you a real life surgery...
VIDEO 1
VIDEO 2
Video number 1 will give you an animated explanation of the procedure ---while---
Video number 2 will give you a real life surgery...
VIDEO 1
VIDEO 2
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Conclusion
This research project proved to be a big impact in my life, it has opened my eyes to the amazing other fields that I would love to go into, in addition to motivating me to perform the research that is needed but has not had enough emphasis over the years. This project educated me on the precautions that I must take for my family and has educated me enough to inform others through my knowledge.
The Occurrences of Glaucoma in women of color, who are over the age of 35, directly influenced by paternal lineage, is actually a great one. This is because there are multiple risk factors at hand.
For Example;
1.Ethnic background
2. Age (above 45)
3. Genetics
4.Being a woman
References
1. Journal of Glaucoma
Vol. 2, no. 1 (Spring 1993)-v. 8, no. 6 (Dec. 1999)
2. Ophthalmology: just the facts / [edited by] John I. Loewenstein, Scott Lee.
New York: McGraw-Hill, Medical Pub. Division, c2004.
3. Glaucoma and genetics: Is DNA the Key?
4. Glaucoma Research Foundation
CFC Scientists reply to questions about genetics and glaucoma
September 2005 issue of Gleams
5. How is glaucoma inherited?, Source: MORIN formation, January 2000 Issue, Medical News, page 4, Joanne Sutherland, Alex V. Levin, M.D. , Eye Genetics Team, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto
6. http://www.christianet.com/lasiksurgery/index.htm
7. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Glaucoma : The Essential Treatments and Advances That Could Save Your Sight
By Gregory K. Harmon, M.D., Nancy Intrator
8. Phone interview with: Jennifer Rulon ,Information and Research Specialist, Glaucoma Research Foundation
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