Catherine M. Birt, MD, FRCSC, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a disease of the optic nerve head, frequently but not always associated with elevated intraocular pressure. This article discusses the presentation and risk factors associated with POAG, how the diagnosis is made by the ophthalmologist, and the current medical management of the disease.
Key words: primary open angle glaucoma, risk factors, anti-glaucoma medications.