Modern concepts of the diagnosis and treatment of chronic open-angle glaucoma.

Chronic open-angle glaucoma is an important cause of blindness in North America. It consists of the triad of elevated intraocular pressure, pathological cupping of the optic nerve head, and visual field loss. Sophisticated techniques have been developed to determine more accurately the health of the optic nerve head and the status of the visual field. Therapy is aimed at lowering intraocular pressure. This includes topical and systemic therapy followed by laser therapy if necessary. Surgery is indicated if laser and medical treatment fail. The family practitioner has an important role to play in screening individuals to detect this disease. The family practitioner should be aware of the systemic and topical side effects of anti-glaucoma medications.