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Open-angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is chronic optic-nerve damage occurring while the eye’s drainage angle remains open, usually progressing without early symptoms.

Timoptic

Timolol

0.5%

Formulated to target elevated intraocular pressure and to mitigate risk of vision impairment.

From$7.08/ bottleView

Key takeaways

  • Eye pressure is a modifiable risk factor, but glaucoma can occur at statistically normal pressure and high pressure can exist without damage.
  • Lost visual field cannot be restored; treatment aims to slow further loss through a personalised target pressure.
  • Adherence, drop technique and systemic contraindications matter as much as selecting a pressure-lowering class.

The listings below are not automatically appropriate for raised pressure; an eye specialist should confirm glaucoma and set the target.

Monitoring structural and functional change

Gonioscopy confirms an open angle, while optic-disc examination, retinal nerve-fibre imaging and automated visual fields establish damage and progression. Corneal thickness influences pressure interpretation. Follow-up frequency reflects severity and rate of change.

Lowering pressure

Prostaglandin analogues, beta blockers, carbonic-anhydrase inhibitors and other drops have different ocular and systemic effects. Selective laser trabeculoplasty can be first-line or adjunctive. Surgery is considered when target pressure is not reached or progression continues despite tolerated treatment.

When to seek urgent care

Chronic open-angle glaucoma is usually not painful. Seek same-day care for sudden severe eye pain, halos, rapidly blurred vision, headache with vomiting or a red eye with a fixed or unusual pupil.