Normal Tension Glaucoma

Understanding Normal Tension Glaucoma

Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is a type of glaucoma that can cause gradual loss of vision without the raised eye pressure that is usually associated with other types of glaucoma. It is usually diagnosed by a physician who may perform an eye exam and measure the pressure in the eye.

Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve and results in a gradual loss of vision. NTG differs from the more common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, because the fluid pressure inside the eye is within what is regarded as a normal range. Despite the normal pressure, however, the optic nerve still gets damaged, leading to vision decline.

Causes of Normal Tension Glaucoma

The root cause of normal tension glaucoma is not known. However, it is thought to be linked to the eye’s inability to cope with a normal level of pressure. It is also believed that the blood supply to the optic nerve is impaired, leading to a decrease in the nerve’s sensitivity, which can accelerate the progress of the disease and eventually cause vision loss.

Diagnosis of Normal Tension Glaucoma

NTG generally is found during a regular eye examination. An eye doctor may use a tool called a tonometer to measure the intraocular pressure (IOP) inside the eye, which is typically lower than normal in cases of NTG.

In addition, during a vision assessment, an ophthalmologist may also use an OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan to measure the thickness of the optic nerve and assess any damage that has occurred.

Treatment and Prevention of Normal Tension Glaucoma

Treatment of normal tension glaucoma typically includes the use of eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure, surgery, or a combination of both. Laser therapy can be used to reduce eye pressure, while medications can help reduce optic nerve damage or boost the blood flow to the optic nerve.

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes can help to prevent or slow progression of the disease. These include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding overuse of the eyes, such as looking at screens for long periods of time.

It is also important to keep regular eye check-ups, as early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment of any form of glaucoma.

Conclusion

Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is a type of glaucoma that is characterized by normal intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve leading to gradual vision loss. While the cause of this condition is not known, treatment typically involves a combination of medications, laser therapy, and lifestyle changes to reduce the progression of the disease.