Medical and socio-economic aspects of long term therapy of open angle glaucoma
Sood, N.N.; Kumar, H.; Patil, N.D.; Aggarwal, A.C.; Sihota, R.
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology 39(3): 91-93
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-4738 PMID: 1841899 Document Number: 372298
Hundred patients of open angle glaucoma (OAG) who were on any one of the three drugs pilocarpine, timolol and epinephrine--for an average period of 3.3 years were chosen. Proforma regarding socio-economic status and the patients' reaction to long-term medication were recorded. Though the objective and subjective effects of long term medication were negligible the financial constraints were considerable. More than 70% patient would prefer laser's and surgery because of the cumbersome schedule and financial burden. The visit to the clinic was a time consuming process suggesting a lack of adequate glaucoma follow-up at the peripheral level. The study reflects a need for reorientation of glaucoma management.