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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Develop your glaucoma decision-making and management skills with our CET and CPD

As the world observes World Glaucoma Week (12-18 March), the College wants to highlight the resources we offer to help optometrists provide the best possible care to their patients with glaucoma.

In this live webinar, Patrick Gunn will talk about what to look out for when examining the optic disc and explain how to use technology effectively to support the management of glaucoma suspects.