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

Indian J Ophthalmol. 1991 Jul-Sep;39(3):91-3.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Epinephrine / economics
  • Epinephrine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ocular Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Pilocarpine / economics
  • Pilocarpine / therapeutic use
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Timolol / economics
  • Timolol / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Pilocarpine
  • Timolol
  • Epinephrine