Glaucoma Management Course

Lesson 1 • Glaucoma Pathophysiology

Examines mechanical and vascular theories of retinal ganglion cell loss and axonal degeneration. Connects pathophysiology to clinical presentation patterns seen in practice.

Lesson 2 • Anterior Segment Anatomy Review

Covers trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal, ciliary body, and iris anatomy. Establishes the structural basis for aqueous humor dynamics central to glaucoma.

Lesson 3 • Classification of Glaucoma Types

Categorizes open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension, and secondary glaucomas by mechanism. Prepares clinicians to apply type-specific diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Lesson 4 • Optic Nerve Head Anatomy

Details lamina cribrosa structure, retinal nerve fiber layer organization, and blood supply. Provides the anatomical framework for interpreting glaucomatous optic nerve damage.

Lesson 1 • Alternative Tonometry Methods

Compares non-contact, rebound, Tono-Pen, and dynamic contour tonometry. Guides selection of the best method for specific patient populations and clinical settings.

Lesson 2 • Central Corneal Thickness and IOP Correction

Explains pachymetry technique and its influence on applanation tonometry readings. Enables clinicians to adjust IOP interpretation based on corneal biomechanical properties.

Lesson 3 • Goldmann Applanation Tonometry

Teaches calibration, fluorescein instillation, mire alignment, and measurement technique. Establishes the gold-standard method against which all other tonometers are compared.

Lesson 1 • Ultrasound Biomicroscopy

Explains UBM technique for imaging structures posterior to the iris, including ciliary body and sulcus. Extends angle assessment to cases where AS-OCT cannot visualize relevant anatomy.

Lesson 2 • Angle Grading Systems

Teaches Shaffer, Spaeth, and ISGEO grading systems for anterior chamber angle classification. Enables consistent documentation and communication of angle findings across clinical teams.

Lesson 3 • Gonioscopy Fundamentals

Introduces direct and indirect gonioscopy lenses, coupling agents, and patient positioning. Establishes the procedural foundation for all subsequent angle evaluation skills.

Lesson 4 • Pathological Angle Findings

Identifies peripheral anterior synechiae, neovascularization, pigment dispersion, and exfoliation. Links specific angle findings to underlying glaucoma subtypes and management priorities.

Lesson 1 • Detecting Structural Progression with OCT

Applies trend-based and event-based OCT analyses to identify progressive RNFL thinning. Guides decisions on treatment escalation based on objective structural change.

Lesson 2 • Clinical Optic Disc Examination

Teaches stereoscopic disc evaluation using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Builds the observational skills needed to identify glaucomatous disc changes.

Lesson 3 • Optic Disc Photography and Documentation

Establishes standards for stereo disc photography, image quality, and longitudinal comparison. Ensures reliable baseline documentation for detecting future glaucomatous change.

Lesson 4 • OCT of the Optic Nerve and RNFL

Covers OCT acquisition protocols, normative database comparison, and RNFL thickness maps. Enables objective quantification of structural loss for diagnosis and monitoring.

Lesson 1 • Visual Field Progression Analysis

Uses event-based and trend-based analyses to detect functional progression over time. Guides treatment escalation decisions based on rate and pattern of field deterioration.

Lesson 2 • Global Indices and Staging

Applies mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and VFI to stage glaucoma severity. Enables standardized severity classification for treatment planning and monitoring.

Lesson 3 • Automated Perimetry Fundamentals

Explains stimulus parameters, testing algorithms, and patient instruction for standard automated perimetry. Establishes the procedural basis for reliable, reproducible visual field testing.

Lesson 4 • Glaucomatous Visual Field Patterns

Identifies arcuate defects, nasal steps, paracentral loss, and temporal wedge defects as glaucoma patterns. Links field loss location to corresponding optic nerve and RNFL damage.

Lesson 1 • Adherence, Tolerability, and Patient Education

Addresses barriers to adherence, drop instillation technique, and preservative-related toxicity. Equips clinicians to optimize long-term medication effectiveness through patient engagement.

Lesson 2 • Alpha-Agonists and Rho Kinase Inhibitors

Covers brimonidine's dual mechanism and netarsudil's novel trabecular outflow enhancement. Positions these agents within combination regimens and specific patient scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Beta-Blockers and Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Explains aqueous suppression by beta-blockers and CAIs, including topical and oral formulations. Guides selection based on contraindications, systemic conditions, and additive IOP reduction.

Lesson 4 • Prostaglandin Analogs

Covers mechanism, dosing, efficacy, and side-effect profile of prostaglandin analogs as first-line agents. Establishes the foundation for initiating and managing first-line glaucoma therapy.

Lesson 1 • Laser Iridoplasty

Explains argon laser peripheral iridoplasty for plateau iris and acute angle-closure refractory to LPI. Covers technique, energy settings, and expected anatomical outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Covers SLT mechanism, laser parameters, patient selection, and post-procedure management. Positions SLT as a primary or adjunctive IOP-lowering option with a favorable safety profile.

Lesson 3 • Laser Peripheral Iridotomy

Teaches LPI technique for angle-closure prevention, including pre-treatment, laser settings, and endpoints. Addresses prophylactic and therapeutic indications across angle-closure subtypes.

Lesson 4 • Evaluating Laser Treatment Outcomes

Applies structured follow-up protocols to assess IOP response, inflammation, and need for retreatment. Integrates laser outcomes into the overall glaucoma management plan.

Lesson 1 • Trabeculectomy Principles and Technique

Covers trabeculectomy surgical steps, antimetabolite use, and bleb formation principles. Establishes the foundational incisional procedure against which other surgeries are compared.

Lesson 2 • Postoperative Management and Complications

Addresses early and late complications of filtering surgery, including hypotony, bleb leak, and failure. Teaches intervention strategies to optimize surgical outcomes and preserve vision.

Lesson 3 • Glaucoma Drainage Devices

Explains tube-shunt device types, implantation technique, and flow restriction mechanisms. Guides selection between drainage devices and trabeculectomy based on clinical factors.

Lesson 4 • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

Surveys MIGS device categories, mechanisms, and patient selection for trabecular, suprachoroidal, and subconjunctival approaches. Positions MIGS within the surgical decision-making framework.