[Early recognition and management of the disease]

Glaucoma is a progressive disease of the optic nerve potentially leading to a destruction of the nerve and therefore to blindness. It is a multifactorial disease and patients of all age groups can be affected. Different risk factors influence the course of the disease. The quality of life of the patients is already reduced when the patients show moderate changes of their visual field. The patients experience more falls and may be forced to stop driving. With an early and adequate treatment the progression of the disease can be slowed down. The early recognition of the disease is important and belongs into the hands of ophthalmologists. The treatment for glaucoma is a difficult task and needs an intense collaboration of the ophthalmologist with the patient and the treating primary care physician.