Prognostic factors in the development of manifest open angle glaucoma

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Abstract
Ninety-three patients, who during a mass screening for glaucoma in 1962-63 attended a thorough ophthalmological examination, were re-examined in 1980-82. At the mass screening 42 patients had IOP .gtoreq. 21 mmHg in at least 1 eye, but none of the 93 patiens had glaucomatous optic disc excavations or visual field defects. At the re-examination, 28 patients (30.1%) had developed manifest open angle glaucoma in at least 1 eye. This development was significantly correlated to the height of the IOP, both at the mass screening, during the period of observation and at the follow-up study (P < 0.05-P < 0.002). A reduced outflow facility measured at the mass screening was also significantly associated with the later development of manifest glaucomatous damage (P < 0.05-P < 0.001). In addition, fibrillopathy (pseudoexfoliation), manifest glaucoma in the ''fellow eye'' and a positive family history for glaucoma were found to be important risk factors.