Phenotypic differences in normal vs high tension glaucoma.
BACKGROUND
Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and high tension open angle glaucoma (HTG) are associated with characteristic patterns of optic nerve findings and corresponding patterns of visual field loss. In the past, clinicians viewed NTG and HTG as distinct entities, with separate underlying pathophysiologies and often different clinical presentations and courses.


METHODS
Literature review.


RESULTS
Optic nerve and visual field findings in NTG have been reported to be dissimilar to those in HTG. In more recent years, however, there has been increasing recognition of the shared features NTG and HTG.


CONCLUSIONS
There is now a trend to consider these two entities as part of a spectrum of glaucoma with overlapping pathophysiology and clinical characteristics.
Glaucoma Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Noelle L
NL
Pruzan
Jonathan S
JS
Myers
D016206:Databases, Bibliographic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D057066:Low Tension Glaucoma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D010641:Phenotype; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology