Primary open-angle glaucoma: clinical update.

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy that is usually associated with an elevated intraocular pressure. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma and is progressive and bilateral but typically asymmetric in patients. Studies have shown that reducing intraocular pressure reduces the risk of vision loss. In the United States, medical intervention by means of prescription eye drops is the initial line of treatment. Nurses play an important role in educating individuals, particularly older adults, about the importance of routine eye care to earlier diagnose, treat, and adequately manage eye diseases such as POAG.