Which description best characterizes glaucoma suspect?

• A. Glaucoma disease
• B. Glaucoma suspect
• C. Ocular hypertension
• D. IOP over 30

Answer: (B)

Glaucoma suspect is a label for someone who has risk factors or optic nerve head features that raise concern for glaucoma but does not yet show proven glaucomatous damage. In glaucoma, you need clear structural damage to the optic nerve and/or corresponding loss on visual fields. If those definitive changes aren’t present, the person is not yet diagnosed with glaucoma, but they are at higher risk and require careful monitoring.

Ocular hypertension refers to elevated intraocular pressure without detectable optic nerve damage or visual field loss, and a high IOP by itself isn’t diagnostic of glaucoma. So the best description for a glaucoma suspect is someone with suspicious signs or risk factors for glaucoma who does not yet have confirmed damage, meaning ongoing observation and reassessment are appropriate to catch any progression.