Question

When reinforcing teaching, what symptom would the nurse include as being the most common initial visual change associated with glaucoma?

1. Central vision is lost.
2. Progressive tunnel vision occurs.
3. Sudden flashes of light in the eyes.
4. Eye floaters begin to be noticed.

Answer 1

The most common initial visual change associated with glaucoma is progressive tunnel vision, a result of optic nerve damage leading to narrowing of peripheral vision while central vision remains clear.

The correct answer is option 2. Progressive tunnel vision occurs.

Step-by-step explanation:

When reinforcing teaching about glaucoma, the most common initial visual change associated with this condition is progressive tunnel vision. This visual change occurs when people experience narrowing of their peripheral vision.

Initially, it may not involve the loss of the superior and inferior peripheral fields, which can be confused with the effects caused by a growth of the pituitary gland pressing against the optic chiasm, known as bilateral hemianopia. However, in glaucoma, the optic nerve damage leads to a progressive loss of vision that is commonly perceived as tunnel vision, wherein only the central field of vision remains clear while the peripheral vision gradually diminishes.