Medical and socio-economic aspects of long term therapy of open angle glaucoma

• Main Authors: Sood N, Kumar Harsh, Patil N, Aggarwal A, Sihota Ramanjit
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 1991-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
• Online Access: http://www.ijo.in/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=1991;volume=39;issue=3;spage=91;epage=93;aulast=Sood

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.