Different strategies and cost-effectiveness in the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma

Abstract

Naomi SJ Ting,1 James FT Li Yim,2 Jia Y Ng2,3 1Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK; 2Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Ayr, South Ayrshire, UK; 3Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK Abstract: Glaucoma is the second highest cause of blindness worldwide with an estimated half of the glaucoma population unaware of their disease. To date, intraocular pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor and lowering it has been proven to reduce progression of visual field loss associated with glaucoma. Different strategies are available to lower intraocular pressure and include medical, laser, or surgical treatment in the form of topical or systemic medications, argon or selective laser trabeculoplasty, and glaucoma drainage surgery such as trabeculectomy, deep sclerectomy, or other drainage devices. The effectiveness of these treatments has been well documented however their cost-effectiveness between the developed world and third world remains unclear. Keywords: intraocular pressure, sclerectomy, trabeculectomy, trabeculoplasty, open angle glaucoma