Question

Which of these disorders can develop in an aging person when the rate of aqueous humor production exceeds the rate of removal?

Answer 1

The correct answer is glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye involving (1) increase in intraocular pressure by either overproduction of aqueous humor or block in the drainage of aqueous humor and (2) optic nerve damage.

If the glaucoma is caused by the imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, then the proper term is open angle glaucoma which is common in the elderly. Risk factors for open angle glaucoma are diabetes and hypertension.

If the glaucoma is caused by the blockage of the drainage (Canal of Schlemm and trabecular meshwork), then the proper term is acute angle closure glaucoma. Some risks factors also include advancing age and development of cataracts.