POAG
Medical abbreviation · Ophthalmology & ENT
| Stands for | Primary open-angle glaucoma |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
POAG stands for Primary open-angle glaucoma, an ophthalmology & ENT abbreviation.
The most common form of glaucoma in the US, a chronic optic nerve disease in which peripheral vision is gradually lost without pain or early symptoms. The drainage angle is open, and treatment lowers eye pressure with drops, laser or surgery.
Example: POAG OU, cup-to-disc 0.8 OD, superior arcuate defect; target IOP under 16.
Usage notes
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Risk factors include older age, African or Hispanic ancestry, family history, high eye pressure and thin corneas. Prostaglandin analog drops such as latanoprost are usually first-line, and the LiGHT trial (2019) supported laser trabeculoplasty as an initial treatment. Damage cannot be reversed, so early detection matters.
Related abbreviations
More ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations
- OME – Otitis media with effusion
- PACG – Primary angle-closure glaucoma
- PCO – Posterior capsule opacification
- PD – Pupillary distance
- PDR – Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- PND – Postnasal drip
- PRP – Panretinal photocoagulation
- PTA – Peritonsillar abscess
- PVD – Posterior vitreous detachment
- RAPD – Relative afferent pupillary defect
- RD – Retinal detachment
- RP – Retinitis pigmentosa
See all 74 ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.