Neovascular Glaucoma is a term used in ophthalmology to describe a type of glaucoma caused by the growth of new blood vessels in the eye. The word "neovascular" consists of three syllables, pronounced as /ˌniː.əʊˈvæskjʊlə(r)/, with stress on the second syllable. The word "glaucoma" is also pronounced with stress on the second syllable, as /ɡlɔːˈkəʊmə/. The spelling of this term is important to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, as neovascular glaucoma can lead to severe vision loss if left untreated.
Neovascular glaucoma is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the front part of the eye, particularly in the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the drainage angle (the area where fluid drains out of the eye). This excessive blood vessel growth is typically a consequence of an underlying disease that affects the retina, called proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
In neovascular glaucoma, the abnormal blood vessels obstruct the normal flow of fluid out of the eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). As a result, the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, can become damaged, potentially causing vision loss or even blindness if left untreated.
The symptoms of neovascular glaucoma include eye pain, redness, blurry vision, sudden vision loss, colored halos around lights, and increased sensitivity to light. Individuals with known risk factors for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, such as poorly controlled diabetes, are more susceptible to developing this condition.
Treatment options for neovascular glaucoma aim to reduce intraocular pressure and control the underlying disease causing the abnormal blood vessel growth. These may include the use of medicated eye drops, oral medications to lower eye pressure, laser therapy, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to improve drainage and control IOP.
Regular eye examinations and strict management of systemic diseases like diabetes are essential in monitoring and preventing the progression of neovascular glaucoma. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing this condition effectively and preserving visual function.
The etymology of the term "Neovascular Glaucoma" can be broken down as follows:
1. Neovascular: "Neo-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "neos", meaning "new". It is used in English to indicate something new, recent, or modern. "Vascular" is derived from the Latin word "vasculum", meaning "little vessel". In medical terminology, it refers to anything related to blood vessels.
2. Glaucoma: The term "Glaucoma" originates from the Greek word "glaukōma", which is composed of two parts: "glaukos" meaning "blue-green" or "gray", and "-ōma", a suffix used to indicate a condition or disease. The name "glaucoma" was given due to its association with the gray-green color of the eye caused by increased intraocular pressure.