| A major concern about glaucoma
is that many patients do not begin treatment after diagnosis
or fail to follow through. A Johns Hopkins University study
showed that only 56% of patients came for treatment after they
were identified as strong glaucoma suspects at community screenings
that offered free transportation and treatment. The study’s
authors attribute the failure of patients to follow up to psychological
denial and basic misunderstanding of the disease.
Similarly, in a Stanford University study
by Kuldev Singh, MD, of patients in a large insurance drug
benefit plan, 25% to 40% of patients who turned in their first
glaucoma medicine prescription at a pharmacy did not pick
up the medication. Of those who did pick it up, only 20% to
40% continued taking their medication for 1 year, depending
on the medication prescribed.
Talk to your doctor or seek the help
of a support group if you are not taking your medication regularly.
(Photo courtesy of National Eye
Institute)
If a patient stops taking medication or
takes it intermittently, he or she will endanger his or her
vision. If you are not following your drug regimen, you should
talk to your physician or seek the assistance of a glaucoma
patient support group, which can be located through community
health centers or your physician.
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