Treatment Considerations for Early Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in Active-Duty Military

Ridwan Carim-Sanni OD, US Army, Ft. Jackson SCFollow
Danielle Kalberer OD, MBA, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical CenterFollow

Medical Subject Headings

Humans; Male; United States; Child-Preschool; Intraocular Pressure; Visual Fields; Optic Disk; Visual Field Tests; Latanoprost; Lisinopril; Atorvastatin; Trabeculectomy; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Corneal Pachymetry; Military Personnel; Ethnicity; Gonioscopy; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Quality of Life; Black or African American; Illicit Drugs; Ophthalmology; Prevalence; Incidence; Smokers; GAT; Blood Pressure; Follow-up Studies; Goals; Slit Lamp; Blindness; Glaucoma; Optic Nerve Diseases; Risk Factors; Diabetes Mellitus; Hypertension; Pupil Disorders; Hispanic or Latino; Life Style; Perfusion; Nerve Fibers; Visual Acuity; Cholesterol; Manometry; Lasers

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The tools available to treat glaucoma via intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction include pharmacological therapy or surgical intervention.

Case Report: This case study explores these tools in the context of glaucoma in active-duty military personnel. It involves an active-duty army patient diagnosed with early Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) who was initially prescribed IOP-lowering medication. Barriers in treatment compliance occurred while the patient was deployed that led to significant glaucomatous changes detected when the patient returned stateside.

Conclusion: This report suggests a shift from the traditional pharmacological treatment as the first line approach to laser trabeculoplasty in high-risk personnel in the active-duty component.

Recommended Citation

Carim-Sanni R, Kalberer D. Treatment Considerations for Early Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in Active-Duty Military. Optometric Clinical Practice. 2025; 7(2):34. https://doi.org/10.37685/uiwlibraries.2575-7717.7.2.1042