Glossary

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

Primary open angle galucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma in the West and affects about 2% of the population over the age of forty years.

In the early stages, primary open angle glaucoma gives no warning symptoms and for this reason, the vast majority of cases are detected during a routine eye examination. In its later stages the patient will develop tunnel vision and eventual blindness.

In this form of glaucoma the drainage angle is open and there is no barrier between the aqueous humour and the trabecular meshwork, however the raised pressure within the eye is caused by a restriction in the flow of aqueous humour through the trabecular meshwork into Schlemm's canal.

Some people are more at risk of developing primary open angle glaucoma than others. The risk factors for the condition are a follow and it should be noted that they are cumulative, so the more risk factors a person has, the more likely they are to develop the condition.

Age:- Primary open angle glaucoma is uncommon below the age of 40, but its prevalence rises with increasing age.

Race:- People of African (Afro) origin are at increased risk of developing primary open angle glaucoma

Family History:- People with a close blood relative who has glaucoma are at increased risk

Short Sight (Myopia):- Myopia is another risk factor for glaucoma

Vascular Factors:- If you suffer from migraine or excessively cold hands or feet then you are at increased risk of normal tension glaucoma (a form of primary open angle glaucoma

Diabetes:- People with diabetes are at increased risk from glaucoma

The treatment of primary open angle glaucoma encompasses the whole range of glaucoma treatments. Most people are prescribed eye drops either as a single medication or in combinations of medications. Laser or surgery are also used in order to manage the condition and maintain a level of intraocular pressure at which further glaucomatous damage is avoided.