About the Glaucoma Continuum

Figure: The Glaucoma Continuum: Adapted from Weinreb et al. Am J Ophthalmology. 2004;138:458-467.               View large

There are 3 fluid phases of the continuum, characterized by accelerated retinal ganglion cell death, subsequent axonal loss and optic nerve damage, and visual field loss. These are:

• Undetectable disease
• Asymptomatic disease
• Functional impairment

Risk factors that may accelerate progress along the continuum include:

• Increased IOP
• Reduced central corneal thickness (CCT)
• Increased age