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Angle on Glaucoma: Types
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Low/Normal Tension Glaucoma

Low tension glaucoma (LTG) is an open angle glaucoma that has many of the same characteristics of primary open angle glaucoma, including optic nerve cupping, nerve fiber layer defects, and visual field loss. This glaucoma, however, presents with an intraocular pressure that is always below 21 mmHg which is considered statistically to be a normal pressure. There is some other mechanism, not increased IOP, that is causing the damage.

Low tension glaucoma is believed to make up approximately a sixth of all open angle glaucomas. Additionally, it is has been found with higher incidence in the Asian population. In order to make a proper diagnosis of low tension glaucoma, it is important to have a complete case history, including the possibility of steroid usage, hypotension, blood loss, vasospasmic symptoms (like Raynaud's), headaches, or any ocular pain or vision loss.

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URL: http://www.opt.indiana.edu/clinics/pteduc/glaucoma/types/ltg.htm
Revised: August 2, 2002
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Page design and coding: Terri Greene
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