Which statement best defines low-tension glaucoma?

Which statement best defines low-tension glaucoma?

• A. Optic nerve damage occurs with intraocular pressure within normal range
• B. Elevated intraocular pressure is required for diagnosis
• C. Retinal detachment
• D. Corneal edema

Answer: (A)

Low-tension glaucoma describes glaucomatous optic neuropathy that occurs even when intraocular pressure is within the normal range. The essential point is that optic nerve damage and related visual field loss can happen without elevated IOP, so a normal-pressure reading does not rule out glaucoma. Diagnosis relies on signs of glaucoma on the optic nerve (such as cupping and thinning of the neuroretinal rim) and matching visual-field loss, with IOP measurements that remain within normal limits after excluding other causes of optic neuropathy. Because damage can progress at normal pressures, treatment aims to lower IOP further from the patient’s baseline to reduce risk of progression, using medications, laser, or surgery as needed. The other options describe conditions or scenarios that are not how glaucoma in this form is defined.

Low-tension glaucoma describes glaucomatous optic neuropathy that occurs even when intraocular pressure is within the normal range. The essential point is that optic nerve damage and related visual field loss can happen without elevated IOP, so a normal-pressure reading does not rule out glaucoma. Diagnosis relies on signs of glaucoma on the optic nerve (such as cupping and thinning of the neuroretinal rim) and matching visual-field loss, with IOP measurements that remain within normal limits after excluding other causes of optic neuropathy. Because damage can progress at normal pressures, treatment aims to lower IOP further from the patient’s baseline to reduce risk of progression, using medications, laser, or surgery as needed. The other options describe conditions or scenarios that are not how glaucoma in this form is defined.