Monograph series on aging-related diseases: XI. Glaucoma

Abstract

In Canada, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in people aged 50 and over, with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) accounting for 90% of all cases. Prevalence of POAG increases with age, and the condition is found more commonly among blacks than whites. Elevated intraocular pressure is an important risk factor for the disease; however, its positive predictive value for the presence of disease is poor. Prevalence of primary angle-closure glaucoma also increases with age, occurs more frequently among the Inuit and Asians, and has been reported to be more common among women. There are various diagnostic methods used to determine the presence or absence of glaucoma, but none can effectively identify the disease in its early stages unless routine screening is conducted. Current treatment of glaucoma is aimed at lowering intraocular pressure, which usually, but not always, stops disease progression.