LOW PRESSURE GLAUCOMA

Abstract

To observe open angle glaucoma in the presence of low intra-ocular pressure. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 150 patients who attended the glaucoma clinic during one year from January 2005 to January 2006. A detailed history was obtained and a thorough ophthalmic examination was performed, including gonioscopy, ophthalmoscopy, applanation tonometery and automated perimetery. Results: Out of 150 patients of Primary open angle glaucoma 33 patients (22%) were found to have glaucoma at intra-ocular pressure level below normal (low pressure glaucoma), with mean age 56±9.21 years. Mean age of Primary open angle glaucoma group was 52.5±8.7%. Of the 33 cases of low-pressure glaucoma (22 patients) 66.6% were male and (11 patients) 33.4% were female, while in Primary open angle glaucoma (82 patients) 70% were male and (35 patients) 30% were female. Mean intra ocular pressure was 15.13±3.60 mm Hg in low-pressure glaucoma and 28±6.5 mm Hg) in Primary open angle glaucoma. Maximum intra ocular pressure in Low-pressure glaucoma group was 21 mm Hg and minimum Intra ocular pressure was observed as 8 mm Hg, while these values observed as 50 mm Hg and 10 mm Hg respectively in primary open angle glaucoma. Conclusions: Low pressure glaucoma remains a difficult diagnosis for ophthalmologist who favors the argument that raised Intra ocular pressure is essential for the diagnosis of Primary open angle glaucoma. Low pressure glaucoma changes the definition of glaucoma and our concept of intra ocular pressure as a sole etiological factor is now out dated.