¹Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore MD, USA

Correspondence: HA Quigley, Ophthalmology Department, The Johns Hopkins University, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore MD, USA. Tel: +1 410 955 2777; Fax: +1 410 955 2542; E-mail: hquigley@jhmi.edu

Received 6 August 2004; Accepted 7 September 2004; Published online 29 October 2004.

Abstract

During the last 30 years, the definition of glaucoma as been revised to eliminate the inclusion of intraocular pressure. Open angle glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, but the proportion of those with the disease who become blind is low. Diagnostic methods for glaucoma need improvement. The pathogenetic steps to loss of neurons in glaucoma are increasingly understood and nonpressure lowering therapies are on the horizon.