The structure–function relationship in glaucoma: Implications for disease detection

3 August 2009
Volume 10, Issue 3

80-90% of diagnosed POAG cases in the UK are initially detected during routine eye examination.

Introduction

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is an age-related optic neuropathy characterised by the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and irreversible visual field loss. The disease is commonly progressive, and is often, but not always, associated with raised intraocular pressure.

The precise mechanism of damage in glaucoma is poorly understood with several competing published theories (Fechtner and Weinreb 1994); however generally all theories agree that there is some physical or biochemical event which takes place at the optic nerve head, damaging RGC axons. The RGC axons then degrade along their length within the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), ultimately leading to death of the RGC by apoptosis (Quigley 1998).

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Related further reading

We have responded to the The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch’s investigation on the “Lack of timely monitoring of patients with glaucoma”.

This online peer review session is open to College members and will cover your GOC peer review requirement.

This online peer review session is open to College members and will cover your GOC peer review requirement.