Which statement best describes the progression of open-angle glaucoma?

Which statement best describes the progression of open-angle glaucoma?

• A. Gradual loss of peripheral vision leading to tunnel vision
• B. Sudden loss of central vision
• C. Complete loss of all vision overnight
• D. Vision improves with care

Answer: (A)

Open-angle glaucoma progresses as a chronic, painless optic neuropathy with gradual loss of peripheral vision first. Retinal ganglion cells are damaged over time due to elevated intraocular pressure, so central vision remains intact until the later stages. This shift creates the characteristic tunnel vision pattern, where the outer fields are lost while central sight is preserved until advanced disease. The other descriptions don’t fit this typical course—glaucoma does not cause sudden central vision loss or complete overnight blindness, nor does proper care make vision improve in the sense of reversing established field loss.

Open-angle glaucoma progresses as a chronic, painless optic neuropathy with gradual loss of peripheral vision first. Retinal ganglion cells are damaged over time due to elevated intraocular pressure, so central vision remains intact until the later stages. This shift creates the characteristic tunnel vision pattern, where the outer fields are lost while central sight is preserved until advanced disease. The other descriptions don’t fit this typical course—glaucoma does not cause sudden central vision loss or complete overnight blindness, nor does proper care make vision improve in the sense of reversing established field loss.