title: Mechanisms in open-angle glaucoma.
abstract: One hundred and nineteen eyes from 68 patients with open-angle glaucoma were provoked by means of a pilocarpine phenylephrine provocative test. In 22% the response was the same as that seen in normal eyes. In 78% the response was the same as that seen in contralateral eyes at risk to the development of closed-angle glaucoma, which do not develop a positive provocative test. The 68 patients were randomised and 34 submitted to a "dummy" provocative test. No significant change in pressure or outflow occurred. Fifty-two of the 93 eyes with an abnormal provocative test were selected for a peripheral iridectomy and reprovoked at least 6 months after operation. The results were significantly different from those obtained before operation. It was concluded that partial-angle closure could be demonstrated in some eyes with apparent open-angle glaucoma. The mechanisms involved in the production of partial-angle closure in eyes with apparent open-angle glaucoma are discussed.
mesh_terms: D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D007498:Iris / Q000601:surgery; D010656:Phenylephrine; D010862:Pilocarpine
chemical_list: D010862:Pilocarpine; D010656:Phenylephrine