Definition

Glaucoma is a progressive and characteristic optic neuropathy associated with visual field loss, in which intraocular pressure is usually a key modifying factor.

Epidemiology

• Affects up to 2% of people over age 40 globally.
• Affects up to 10% of people over age 80.

Risk Factors

• Family history
• High intraocular pressure (IOP)
• Age over 40
• Hypertension
• Central corneal thickness
• Refractive error

Symptoms

• Often little or no symptoms in early stage
• Ocular pain
• Rainbow halos
• Vision loss in late stages

Treatment Options

• Medications – Anti-glaucoma drugs
• Laser therapy
• Surgical intervention