What geriatric complaint is most characteristic of chronic glaucoma?

Chronic glaucoma is a condition that primarily affects the optic nerve and is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure. One of the hallmark features of chronic glaucoma is the gradual loss of peripheral vision. Individuals with this condition typically experience central vision remaining intact for a longer period, while peripheral fields become increasingly restricted over time. This progressive loss leads to a tunnel vision effect, making it particularly significant in geriatric patients who may already be dealing with various age-related visual impairments.

In contrast, central vision loss is more characteristic of conditions such as macular degeneration. Blurred vision can arise from a variety of ocular issues, including cataracts, but is not specific to glaucoma. Difficulty with color perception may occur in different eye disorders, but it is not a defining symptom of chronic glaucoma. Therefore, the most characteristic complaint of chronic glaucoma is indeed the deficits in peripheral fields.