The Glaucoma Suspect Problem: Ways Forward

Abstract

The diagnosis of glaucoma depends upon indentification of characteristic damage to the optic nerve and retinal fiber layer. In many cases, however, clinicians find it difficult to ascertain whether glaucomatous damage is present or absent. These patients are often labeled as "glaucoma suspects,"which creates a subpopulation of individuals without clear-cut disease who nonetheless must remain under surveillance. Most will never go on to develop glaucoma, yet the need for ongoing monitoring burdens clinics and health care systems. In this perspective, we illustrate possible directions and novel approaches that can be used to remedy this situation by integrating current technologies into clinical practice. In particular, we suggest that optical coherence tomography be better utilized to methodologically classify these eyes into glaucomatous and healthy categories.