What is the recommended follow-up interval for a patient with low-risk OHTN?

• A. 1 month
• B. 3 months
• C. 6 months
• D. 12 months

Answer: (C)

In ocular hypertension, how often you follow a patient depends on their risk of progression to glaucoma. For those at low risk, the goal is to monitor closely enough to catch any signs of change without overburdening the patient. A six-month interval provides a practical balance: most low-risk eyes remain stable for months, so you regularly check for any rise in intraocular pressure, subtle changes in the optic nerve head or retinal nerve fiber layer, and any new visual field concerns, while avoiding unnecessarily frequent visits. If risk factors are present or if signs of progression appear, you would tighten the interval toward sooner follow-up (for example, every three months) and consider treatment if progression is detected. Waiting a full year could miss early, slowly progressive changes, which is why six months is the recommended interval for low-risk ocular hypertension.