Which information should the nurse include in teaching a client with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)?

• A. Driving can be dangerous due to loss of peripheral vision. Laser surgery can help reestablish the flow of aqueous humor.
• B. Driving is safe; Laser surgery cannot help.
• C. Vision loss is reversible with time.
• D. POAG has no effect on vision.

Answer: (A)

Primary open-angle glaucoma damages the optic nerve as intraocular pressure rises, and the early impact is a gradual loss of peripheral vision while central vision remains intact until later. Teaching should emphasize safety and management. The best information to share is that driving can be dangerous because peripheral vision is compromised, and laser surgery can help improve the outflow of aqueous humor, reducing intraocular pressure and slowing further vision loss. It’s important for the patient to understand that glaucoma-related vision loss is not reversible; once nerve fibers are lost, they do not regain vision, and the disease does affect vision. Choices that claim driving is safe, that vision loss can be reversed, or that POAG has no effect on vision do not fit the reality of the condition.