What is Normal Tension Glaucoma?

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In normal tension glaucoma, the intraocular pressure (IOP) is not very high, but the optic nerve is still damaged somehow. Doctors do not know why some people’s optic nerves are damaged even though they have almost normal (between 12-22 mmHg) pressure levels. Those at a higher risk for this type of glaucoma are: people with a family history of normal tension glaucoma, people of Japanese ancestry, and people with a history of systemic heart disease such as irregular heart rhythm. This type of glaucoma is generally detected after an examination of the optic nerve.

Treatment of normal tension glaucoma is controversial. The Glaucoma Research Foundation sponsored an international study to help decide what type of treatment is best for this type of glaucoma. Currently, most doctors treat normal tension glaucoma by keeping normal eye pressures as low as possible by using medicines, laser surgery or filtering surgery.

Here is more information on Normal Tension Glaucoma and on the Normal Tension Glaucoma Study

Posted on October 16, 2008 4:23 PM

Comments (2)

My father is 72 year old and have glaucoma. In June 2008, I went visit him in Africa his was treated with some medication. In september 2008 I was informed that he become blind. Should his vision be restored if he come to USA?

Answer from Glaucoma Research Foundation:
Here is a link to more information on optic nerve regeneration:

http://www.glaucoma.org/questions/research/can_the_optic_nerve_be_regener.php

Posted by Danny Diamaza | November 28, 2008 11:35 AM

My doctor has told me I have Glaucoma. My eye pressure has gone from 10 a few years ago to 18 and 16. Since this is still in the normal range, should I get a second opinion? What questions should I ask my doctor to better understand her conclusion?

Answer from Glaucoma Research Foundation:

It was once believed that measuring the eye's intraocular pressure (IOP) was enough to diagnose glaucoma. However, recent studies show that just measuring eye pressure is not a reliable way to detect glaucoma. Eye pressure can go up and down during the day or in a month. Also, some people's optic nerves are not damaged by high pressure while others' optic nerves are damaged by relatively low pressure.

To be safe and accurate, four factors should be checked before making a glaucoma diagnosis:

1) the inner eye pressure (IOP) [Tonometry test]
2) the shape and color of the optic nerve (Ophthalmoscopy or dilated eye exam)
3) the complete field of vision (Perimetry test)
4) the angle in the eye where the iris meets the cornea (Goniscopy test)

Here is a link to more information on diagnostic tests for glaucoma:
http://www.glaucoma.org/learn/diagnostic_test.php

Posted by Joy Easterling | December 1, 2008 11:18 AM