Question

A client has been diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma and asks the nurse to repeat the health care provider's explanation of the disorder. The nurse would tell the client that:

Answer 1

Open-angle glaucoma leads to increased intraocular pressure, potentially damaging the optic nerve. Those over 40 should routinely check their IOP, and treatments like acetazolamide can manage the condition to prevent blindness.

Step-by-step explanation:

Open-angle glaucoma is a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve if not managed properly. It occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eyes gradually increases due to the slow clogging of the drainage canals, leading to optic nerve damage. The shape of the eye is maintained by this fluid pressure. Routine testing of IOP is particularly important for those over 40 years of age, as they are at greater risk. Measurements of IOP typically involve exerting a force on the eye and observing its response.

Treatments like the medication 'acetazolamide' can help by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase and reducing fluid accumulation. Excessive intraocular pressures can usually be detected and controlled, thus preventing further damage to the optic nerve, which could result in vision loss or blindness. In the case of open-angle glaucoma, peripheral vision is commonly affected first, often described as 'tunnel vision'.