Risk factors favoring the development of glaucomatous visual field loss in ocular hypertension.

Multivariate studies have identified elevated IOP, optic disc abnormality, increasing age, and a family history of glaucoma as risk factors for the development of glaucomatous visual field loss. Further studies are required to validate these findings and to identify additional risk factors. Eventually it may be possible to develop an equation capable of predicting accurately the risk of glaucoma developing in a given individual with ocular hypertension. If a reliable estimate of risk were available, rational decisions concerning the institution of therapy could be made.