Question
What is glaucoma? What is the OT role in glaucoma?
Answer
Glaucoma is considered one of the adult-onset vision impairments. It affects approximately 2.2 million people or 1.9% of the population. It is more prevalent among African Americans. It is often the final common pathway of a number of diseases that affect the eye.
It is a progressive optic neuropathy with a pattern of optic nerve damage and visual field loss that results from a variety of diseases. It occurs when the fluid draining from the anterior chamber begins to pass too slowly, causing increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which can ultimately damage the optic nerve.
Glaucoma can result in a functional visual impairment and impact daily function. Occupational therapists can help to modify the client's environment (home, work, etc.) to allow the client to continue to participate in desired occupations.
National Eye Institute
Lighthouse Handbook of Visual Impairment and Visual Rehabilitation
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