Definition

Noun: - A type of glaucoma caused by a blockage in the eye's drainage canal (the canal of Schlemm). This condition leads to a slow, progressive loss of side (peripheral) vision. It is the most common form of glaucoma.

Usage

This is a medical term used specifically in ophthalmology to describe a long-term, slowly developing eye disease. - Chronic glaucoma is often managed with daily eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure. - Early detection of chronic glaucoma is crucial to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Examples

• The patient was diagnosed with after a routine eye exam showed increased ocular pressure.
• Because progresses slowly, many people do not notice symptoms until significant vision has been lost.
• Treatment for typically focuses on lowering the pressure inside the eye.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used interchangeably with "open-angle glaucoma" or "primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)", which is its full clinical name. It contrasts with "acute angle-closure glaucoma," which is a sudden, painful medical emergency.

Variants and Related Words

• Open-angle glaucoma (n): The full term for chronic glaucoma.
• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) (n): The most precise clinical term.
• Glaucoma (n): The general group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often associated with elevated eye pressure.

Synonyms

• Open-angle glaucoma
• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)

Notes

• Chronic glaucoma is distinguished by its gradual onset and open drainage angle in the eye, unlike acute forms. It is a leading cause of blindness if left untreated.

Noun

1. glaucoma caused by blockage of the canal of Schlemm; produces gradual loss of peripheral vision
   • open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma