Glaucoma management and treatment pathways
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Last reviewed: 07/05/2025
Glaucoma management and treatment pathways
Glaucoma management and treatment pathways
This video is aimed at nurses and allied health professionals with an interest in ophthalmology, glaucoma, and the specialist nurse role within the glaucoma service.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a varied group of ocular disorders with different causes, all of which are associated with retinal nerve fibre layer loss (RNFL) and glaucomatous visual field changes. Glaucoma is a chronic condition and will require continuous lifelong monitoring and treatment. If glaucoma is undetected or insufficiently treated this will lead to progressive and permanent vision loss.
Fortunately, prognosis is typically good if detected early and there are many treatments available to treat this condition including medication, laser and surgical intervention. Chronic Open Angle Glaucoma refers to the most common type of glaucoma in which the drainage angle is not occluded, and the eye pressure may be high or within normal range.
What are the learning outcomes?
- to understand the anatomy and physiology of the eye in relation to chronic open angle glaucoma
- to understand classifications how glaucoma is diagnosed and monitored
- to understand treatments offered for Chronic Open Angle Glaucoma
- to recognise the specific needs of patients who are being treated with medication and/or surgery
- to gain insight into the role of the specialist nurse within the glaucoma service.
