Blindness prevention through control of ocular hypertension: an epidemiological assessment.

From a case-control study we have quantified the effect (relative risk) of presenting intraocular pressure on visual field loss in primary open angle glaucoma. We found this effect to be modified by both age and sex. Using these effect values we have estimated the potential for prevention of glaucomatous blindness in clinical and community settings. The clinical, public health, and research implications of these findings and estimates are discussed.