| Abstract: | ABSTRACT The prevalence of ocular hypertension and its role in the aetiology of glaucoma is examined. A follow up study of ocular hypertensive patients of an optometrist suggests that neither the level of I.O.P. between 21 mm Hg and 29 mm Hg, the duration of hypertension nor the age of the patient have value in predicting the natural course of the condition. Since raised I.O.P. is not necessarily present in subjects having typical glaucomatous field loss, a finding of pressures within the normal range should not influence the decision making process for management of patients having risk factors or other signs of glaucoma. Guidelines are suggested for the management of those ocular hypertensive patients for whom careful assessment indicates a low risk of glaucoma. |
