This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Learning about patients' lives assists glaucoma treatment
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
NEW YORK — Developing a more personal relationship with patients who have glaucoma can help physicians to better treat their disease, according to a speaker here.
Because glaucoma in its early stages is largely asymptomatic, many patients go through stages of anxiety, depression, denial or hypochondria after they are diagnosed with the disease, said Henry D. Jampel, MD, MHS.
"Much of my day is spent with patients whom I'm reassuring that they are doing well," Dr. Jampel said, speaking at the New Frontiers in Clinical Glaucoma meeting held by Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons.
"My visit is their insurance policy that they are not going blind, and I believe many of them take comfort from that interaction," he said.
Dr. Jampel noted that he often sees the same patients for years because of glaucoma's chronic nature. He recommended learning about patients' lives because developing a good personal relationship with patients is key to their treatment.
"Behind all our patients are interesting individuals," Dr. Jampel said. "If we learn one or two things about them that you can ask them when you see them, that's a great start. If you can't remember those things, write them down on their charts."