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Positive attitude improves glaucoma compliance
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SAN FRANCISCO — Glaucoma patient compliance and overall attitude toward the disease is greatly improved when physicians have a more positive attitude toward treatment, according to Reay H. Brown, MD.
Dr. Brown said glaucoma patients fear blindness and listen carefully to anything their physician says — or does not say — about their illness.
“Our words are very powerful and, in a sense, we control the discussion about glaucoma,” Dr. Brown said. “It’s important that we project a positive attitude to our patients.”
He said doctors should never tell their patients “Nothing is working;” “I’ve tried everything;” “I don’t know what else to do,” or “I give up.” Glaucoma treatment has many options, he said, and if a doctor cannot think of another therapy, the patient should be referred elsewhere.
Physicians should have an open dialogue with patients about their disease, de-emphasizing a target IOP and focusing instead on the improvements in the patient’s glaucoma treatment.
“We all have patients who aren’t doing as well as we think they could do,” Dr. Brown said. “By discussing it, we show that we’re in control, we have a plan. This is very reassuring for patients.”
He spoke here during the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery’s Glaucoma Day.