Interventional glaucoma and the patient perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction The glaucoma treatment paradigm is beginning to undergo a reevaluation – one that promotes a proactive approach with minimally invasive intervention(s) instead of the traditional reactive strategy that leaves patients on topical eyedrops and allows for progressive decline in ocular health before intervening further. Earlier low-risk interventions may include laser, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and/or procedural pharmaceuticals. Areas covered Earlier intervention has been shown to benefit patients, clinicians, society, and the disease trajectory itself. The present article specifically discusses the patient-centric benefits of an interventional treatment paradigm. These can include physical benefits, such as decreased ocular surface disease with lower medication usage; practical or occupational benefits, such as alleviated medication-instillation difficulties, lower costs, and better treatment adherence; and emotional benefits and improved quality of life. Expert opinion For the best care of our patients, it is ophthalmologists’ responsibility to understand and employ the treatments that produce the highest quality of care and patient quality of life. In light of the breadth of treatment modalities and an abundance of scientific literature now afforded to us, it behooves us – and our patients – to adopt a more proactive, interventional, and ultimately patient-centric approach to the glaucoma treatment paradigm.