Glaucoma em pequenos animais - revisão de literatura

Abstract

Glaucoma is a term used for a group of diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which can progress to blindness through functional changes in the optic nerve and retina. This work aims to present the different classifications of glaucoma, to describe the main consequent intraocular changes and the most used diagnostic and therapeutic choices in the veterinary ophthalmic routine. This is a bibliographic research in which we sought to study several articles, dissertations, literary source and research projects regarding glaucoma and its ophthalmic implications. It has been found that glaucoma in small animals may be primary, when it originates from a defect in the aqueous humor drainage angle, or secondary, when a previous alteration led to the glaucomatous condition. All intraocular structures may change due to glaucoma. The diagnosis is made by clinical signs, added to the increase in intraocular pressure, drainage angle and fundus changes, verified by complementary exams. Therapeutic approaches, medical or surgical procedures, aim to slow the progression of the disease, either by reducing the aqueous humor production and/or stimulating its drainage. It is considered crucial for the best prognosis to understand the cause and evolution of the disease, so that the therapeutic choice can be successful in delaying the disease and maintaining vision.