The risk profile of the glaucomatous patient.

This article briefly overviews risk factors involved in the multifactorial glaucomatous disease such as hypotension, preexisting field damage, location of scotomas, intraocular pressure, vasospasm, vasoactive agents, and less connective tissue of the optic disc. We summarize some of these risk factors in a formula allowing the calculation of a glaucoma progression risk index. This index helps to identify patients who are at risk for further visual field deterioration already at the time of the initial perimetric examination. Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects are highlighted.