Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of diseases with an intraocular pressure (IOP) higher than the pressure resistance of the optic nerve head. It is characterized by optic nerve head cupping and visual field damage. It is the most frequent cause of irreversible blindness worldwide with an age-standardized prevalence of 3% in the population aged 40+ years. Chronic glaucomas are painless and symptomatic visual field defects occur late. Early detection by ophthalmological examination is therefore mandatory. The most common risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma, include elevated IOP, older age, Sub-Saharan African ethnicity, positive family history and high myopia. Older age, hyperopia and East Asian ethnicity are main risk factors for primary angle-closure glaucoma. Glaucoma diagnosis is based on ophthalmoscopy, perimetry and tonometry. Therapy is based on medication to lower IOP, laser treatment, and surgical intervention if these treatment modalities fail to prevent progression