Advances in the surgical management of glaucoma

1 February 2005
Volume 06, Issue 1

An understanding of the effects of glaucoma surgery on vision and ocular comfort has also led to a modification of surgical techniques.

Introduction 

Over the last decade, evidence has accumulated to support the hypothesis that significant lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) leads to a reduced progression of glaucomatous optic atrophy and visual field loss. This has been found to be true for patients with established visual field loss, with IOP above the normal range, as in the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS Investigators 2000) and also in patients with established visual field loss but with normal presenting IOP, as in the Collaborative Normal-Tension Glaucoma Study Group (1998). In AGIS there was an inverse relationship between the level of IOP and the rate of field progression: eyes that maintained a mean IOP of 12mmHg showed no tendency to progress over the 8 years of the study. In addition, in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (Kass et al. 2002) the chance of developing glaucomatous change was reduced by half when IOP was lowered by 20–25%. 

Sign in to continue

Forgotten password?
Register

Sign in to view the article

Not a member? Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.

Related further reading

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.