Standardizing the diagnosis and treatment of ocular hypertension based on evidence-based medicine

Abstract

Ocular hypertension (OHT) refers to a condition in which the intraocular pressure increases without causing glaucomatous optic nerve changes or visual field damage. The incidence rate of OHT in people over 40 years old is as high as 4% to 10%. According to the OHT Treatment Study (OHTS), the incidence of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) among OHT patients is increasing year by year, so it is necessary to conduct long-term follow-up. This article elaborates on five major risk factors for the progression of OHT to POAG: age, intraocular pressure, vertical cup-disc ratio, pattern standard deviation of visual field, and central corneal thickness. It also summarizes other potential risk factors, such as long-term fluctuations in intraocular pressure, asymmetry of intraocular pressure and visual field between the two eyes, structural phenotypes of the optic disk, and optic disk hemorrhage. Predicting the risk of OHT progression to POAG based on risk factors, patients with different risk levels require different timing for treatment initiation and follow-up intervals. Those with higher risks should start preventive treatment earlier and have shorter follow-up intervals. Both drug therapy and selective laser trabeculoplasty can serve as initial treatment options for OHT. Combining evidence-based medicine research and individualized evaluation of treatment can enhance the clinical diagnosis and treatment level of OHT.