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Diagnosis and Monitoring of Low-Tension Glaucoma

  • Diagnosis and Monitoring of Glaucoma (R Kuchtey, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Ophthalmology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to discuss current ideas on the definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of low-tension glaucoma (LTG).

Recent Findings

While previously considered a distinct entity, LTG may be a continuation of primary open angle glaucoma with intraocular pressures (IOPs) within the statistical range of “normal”. Vascular dynamics, sleep apnea, and intracranial pressure may play a role in patients with LTG.

Summary

LTG remains a diagnosis of exclusion. A thorough medical history and possible blood work-up and neuroimaging may help exclude nutritional deficiencies, toxicities, and intracranial masses. Vasculature dysregulation may play a role in LTG and account for its association with certain systemic conditions. IOP lowering remains the mainstay treatment of LTG, with caution advised for topical beta-blocker medications. Non-IOP-lowering therapy, such as treating underlying systemic conditions potentially affecting ocular blood flow (e.g. hypotension, anemia, sleep apnea) and nutritional supplements (Ginkgo biloba and resveratrol), may be beneficial and are currently being studied.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA

    Anitra Turner

  2. Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8096, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA

    Anjali Bhorade

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  1. Anitra Turner
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  2. Anjali Bhorade
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Correspondence to Anjali Bhorade.

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Conflict of Interest

Anjali Bhorade reports grants from the National Eye Institute outside the submitted work. Anitra Turner declares no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Diagnosis and Monitoring of Glaucoma

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Turner, A., Bhorade, A. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Low-Tension Glaucoma. Curr Ophthalmol Rep 5, 1–6 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-017-0117-4

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