Definition for Glaucoma
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions involving damage to the optic nerve, often caused by elevated intraocular pressure. It results from excessive production of aqueous humor or diminished ocular fluid outflow. Glaucoma is a possible cause of blindness secondary to optic nerve damage. The two types of glaucoma are: acute angle closure and chronic open angle.
The beta-blockers are considered the drugs of first choice in the treatment of chronic open-angle glaucoma. They lower the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels within the ciliary body necessary for aqueous humor production. This reduces elevated IOP in chronic open-angle glaucoma by reducing the formation of aqueous humor.