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Consider evidence-based guidelines for glaucoma medications, surgery
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 Tarek Shaarawy |
 Anton Hommer |
 John Thygesen |
BOSTON — The principles of glaucoma treatment options and the importance of evaluating each patient individually were among the topics presented at a symposium at the World Glaucoma Congress here. The "New Guidelines for Glaucoma" symposium was sponsored by the European Glaucoma Society.
John Thygesen, MD, said the goal of evidence-based glaucoma therapy is to lower IOP, and treatment decisions should be made for each patient on an individual basis.
Anton Hommer, MD, spoke about how combined medications fit in the glaucoma management algorithm. He said that the decision to switch medications or add additional medications is an important issue, and ophthalmologists need to consider any side effects, effectiveness and the patient's tolerability. He said the ideal combination therapy will significantly lower IOP.
In his review of incisional surgery options for glaucoma patients, Tarek Shaarawy, MD, said surgery depends on the surgeon's preferences, as well as the pathology, economics, visual potential and patient's desire.
"We really have to look at the risk-benefit of all glaucoma surgery. We owe it to our patients to make the right decision," he said.
He added that among future challenges for ophthalmologists is to find new surgical technologies to not only decrease IOP, but also increase safety and the patient's quality of life after the procedure.