Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Diagnosis and Management

Diagnostic Criteria

Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma may remain asymptomatic until advanced stages, with up to 50% of patients undiagnosed, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 21 mmHg is a diagnostic finding, though normal pressures can also occur, as noted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Reproducible visual field defects in characteristic glaucomatous patterns are a key diagnostic feature, as reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2
Open anterior chamber angle on gonioscopy is a distinguishing feature of primary open-angle glaucoma, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2, 3

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends targeting a 20% IOP reduction in glaucoma suspects, based on OHTS data 1, 2
Monitoring every 12-24 months is recommended for suspects, and more frequently if high-risk, as suggested by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 4, 5

Gonioscopy is essential in evaluating any glaucoma patient to distinguish between open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma, as emphasized by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 4, 5, 6