Glaucoma

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Glaucoma encompasses a variety of disease processes in which elevated intraocular pressure produces irreversible atrophic changes in the optic nerve and loss of visual field. In the commonest variety, primary open-angle glaucoma, a complete lack of symptomatology is the rule until extensive damage Is present, accentuating the importance of routine examination for early diagnosis. Current methods permit earlier recognition of the disease process and its more effective medical management. Recent studies of steroid-induced intraocular pressure elevations indicate that the response is pharmacogenetically determined. This suggests a working hypothesis of recessive inheritance of primary open-angle glaucoma and the possible recognition of the carrier state. Primary angle-closure glaucoma is based on an anatomic defect and requires prompt recognition and surgical treatment.

This publication has 7 references indexed in Scilit: