Neurologic evaluations in normal-tension glaucoma workups: are they worth the effort?

Normal-tension glaucoma is a chronic progressive optic neuropathy of unknown etiology. Neuro-imaging workup in these patients is controversial.

To determine the value of routine neurologic and neuro-ophthalmologic evaluations in patients with NTG.

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with NTG in our institution between 2001 and 2006. Neurologic and neuro-ophthalmologic data were evaluated.

Sixty-eight patients were considered suitable for the study 135 males, 33 females; age range 43-90 years). Neurologic and neuro-ophthalmologic findings were normal in all of them. The computed tomography brain scan was normal in 88% and duplex carotid Doppler scan was normal in 92%.

Pathologic findings in neurologic and neuro-ophthalmologic assessments were uncommon in NTG. Therefore, contrary to earlier suggestions, neurologic and neuro-ophthalmologlc evaluations in typical normal-tension glaucoma patients appear to have no added value.