Longitudinal Monitoring of Normal Tension Glaucoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG) is a sub-type of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with Intraocular Pressure (IOP) lower than or equal to 21mmHg. It is diagnosed when optic disc cupping, visual field testing and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) show corresponding findings of progressive optic neuropathy. Once NTG is diagnosed, treatment focusing on lowering the IOP is usually given to slow down the NTG progression. However, the progression can sometimes be so slow that no medical or surgical interventions are required. A 55-year-old Chinese woman was diagnosed to have NTG, but she only has had occasional follow-ups at an ophthalmology centre with no treatment initiated. Very slow progression has been observed in both eyes over 17 years. This case report demonstrates the natural history of NTG and shows that medication and/or surgery are sometimes not necessary.