Long Term Glaucoma Therapy Trend in India

Abstract

Original Research Article Purpose: To determine the long term Glaucoma Therapy Trend in India. Materials and Methods: A total of two hundred glaucoma patients containing One hundred glaucoma patients from January 2016 – January 2018 time interval and One hundred glaucoma patients from Feburary 2018 – January 2020 time interval on medical therapy were selected. A retrospective analysis regarding monthly income, cost and name of glaucoma medications prescribed, systemic or local side effects was done. Results: Ophthalmologists usually start treatment with Topical Prostaglandin Analogue Travoprost and β-Blocker Timolol combination. Now they rely less on use of single drug Timolol. This start of treatment with two drugs give the added advantage that even if the patient does not come for routine checkup , combination therapy will take care. Conclusions: Medical therapy for glaucoma is an economic burden to many patients and should be individualized, according to the socioeconomic status and stage of severity of glaucoma.