Phenotypic Differences in Normal vs High Tension Glaucoma

Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and high tension open angle glaucoma (HTG), are associated with characteristic patterns of optic nerve findings and associated patterns of visual field loss. In the past, most clinicians viewed NTG and HTG as distinct entities, with separate underlying pathophysiologies and often different clinical presentations and courses. Optic nerve and visual field findings in NTG have been reported to be different than those in HTG. There has been increasing recognition of the shared features NTG and HTG. In more recent years, there has been a trend to consider these two entities as part of a spectrum of glaucoma with overlapping pathophysiology and clinical characteristics.