Primary open-angle glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy and, perhaps, the most common form of glaucoma. Because the disease is treatable, and because the visual impairment caused by glaucoma is irreversible, early detection is essential. Early diagnosis depends on examination of the optic disc, retinal nerve fibre layer, and visual field. New imaging and psychophysical tests can improve both detection and monitoring of the progression of the disease. Recently completed long-term clinical trials provide convincing evidence that lowering intraocular pressure prevents progression at both the early and late stages of the disease. The degree of protection is related to the degree to which intraocular pressure is lowered. Improvements in therapy consist of more effective and better-tolerated drugs to lower intraocular pressure, and more effective surgical procedures. New treatments to directly treat and protect the retinal ganglion cells that are damaged in glaucoma are also in development.
Weinreb
Robert N
RN
Hamilton Glaucoma Center and Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0946, USA. weinreb@eyecenter.ucsd.edu
Khaw
Peng Tee
PT
D000818:Animals; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014794:Visual Fields