TJ-CEO
2016 , Vol 11 , Num 1
Normal Tension Glaucoma
Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Eye Clinic, Ankara/TURKEY
Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease characterised by loss of retinal ganglion cells that leads to typical damage of the optic nerve and visual field. Diagnosis of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) depends on symptoms and signs associated with optic nerve vulnerability and absence of other explanations for characteristic optic nerve and visual field changes in patients with normal intraocular pressure (IOP) (IOP under 21 mmHg). Both IOP and IOP-independent risk factors, such as vascular dysregulation, have an important role in the pathogenesis of NTG. Intraocular pressure, even within the normal range, is a major risk factor for NTG. Management is nearly the same as other chronic glaucomas, the first step is to reduce IOP. Intraocular pressure should be reduced by 30% in NTG, with medications, laser trabeculoplasy or surgery to prevent visual field loss. Although IOP-independent neuroprotective treatments have not been proven to be effective in humans yet, they may be used in progressive NTG despite lowering IOP to targeted levels.
Keywords :
Glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma