Primary open-angle glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group disorders characterised by optic neuropathy due, in the majority of patients, to raised intraocular pressure (IOP). It is now recognised that a minority of patients with raised IOP do not have glaucoma and vice versa
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG, also referred to as chronic simple glaucoma) is present in around 2% of people older than 40 years. Other than age, risk factors include:
POAG may present insidiously and for this reason is often detected during routine optometry appointments. Features may include
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG, also referred to as chronic simple glaucoma) is present in around 2% of people older than 40 years. Other than age, risk factors include:
- family history
- black patients
- myopia
- hypertension
- diabetes mellitus
POAG may present insidiously and for this reason is often detected during routine optometry appointments. Features may include
- peripheral visual field loss - nasal scotomas progressing to 'tunnel vision'
- decreased visual acuity
- optic disc cupping