Glaucoma and Corticosteroid Provocative Testing

Abstract

Introduction Patients with field loss due to primary open-angle glaucoma characteristically demonstrate tonographic abnormalities (Po/C> 100) after water drinking.¹ A higher than normal prevalence of non-tasters of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) has also been demonstrated in the primary open-angle glaucoma population.² Recently topical corticosteroids have been shown to cause marked intraocular pressure elevations in patients with field loss from primary open-angle glaucoma.³ Pressure elevations of similar magnitude have also been noted in approximately 20% of glaucoma offspring without field loss.⁴ The present study examines the correlation of water provocative tonography, PTC taste testing, and steroid responsiveness among glaucoma offspring. Material and Methods A. Selection of Patients. —Eighty-four offspring of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were subjected to testing. In each instance the index patient had characteristic field loss (arcuate scotoma). Offspring were selected so as to exclude those with evidence of cupping, field loss, or occludable angles. Forty-four