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A More Proactive Approach Is Needed in Glaucoma Care
Arch Ophthalmol. 2005;123:1134-1135.
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| Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings. |
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Although we ophthalmologists regard ourselves as highly skilled, technologically well-armed, and dedicated to patient care, we may be taking too narrow an approach toward achieving the ultimate goal—preventing visual impairment due to glaucoma and declines in quality of life. Both patient-centered and physician-centered factors need to be improved if we are to achieve better outcomes.
It is alarming that recent publications show that patients fail to undergo examinations after screening positive for glaucoma,1 drop out of care when told they have glaucoma,2 and take medicines either sporadically or not at all.3-4
Physicians, on the other hand, spend minimal time educating patients about glaucoma, make modest efforts to maximize compliance with visit and eyedrop schedules, and underperform appropriate examinations, such as gonioscopy, imaging, and visual field tests compared with the standards recommended in preferred practice patterns.5
IDENTIFYING PERSONS WITH GLAUCOMA STARTS THE PROCESS
In developed countries, more than 50% of those with glaucoma are undiagnosed,6-7 and in developing . . . [Full Text of this Article]
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RETAINING PATIENTS ALREADY IDENTIFIED IS THE NEXT STEP
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EYEDROPS WORK, BUT ONLY WHEN THEY ARE TAKEN
SOLUTIONS
AUTHOR INFORMATION
David S. Friedman, MD, MPH;
Joyce Cramer, BS;
Harry Quigley, MD
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