CLARIFYING THE NOMENCLATURE FOR PRIMARY ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA

Despite tremendous development in the field of glaucoma, there is conf usion in the nomenclature system for classification, gonioscopy, and m echanisms of primary angle-closure glaucoma. In this article, we criti cally review the various nomenclature systems and suggest some modific ations to the current classifications. These include four diagnostic c ategories: 1) angle-closure glaucoma suspect; 2) angle-closure hyperte nsion; 3) chronic angle-closure glaucoma; and 4) acute angle-closure g laucoma. Gonioscopic is valuable for evaluating primary angle-closure glaucoma but more precise descriptions of gonioscopic observations are needed. Because of racial differences in the prevalence and mechanism s of primary angle-closure glaucoma, worldwide population-based study is necessary. Newer technologies, such as ultrasound biomicroscopy, sh ow promise for the study of primary angle-closure glaucoma. (C) 1997 b y Elsevier Science Inc.