Christian Wolfram1, Alexander K Schuster2. 1. Augenklinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland. c.wolfram@uke.de. 2. Augenklinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The options for glaucoma treatment are quite diverse. The question therefore arises what is considered beneficial and feasible in daily practice. Our anonymized survey among members of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and the Professional Association of Ophthalmologists in Germany (BVA) intends to explore treatment patterns and strategies in routine glaucoma care in Germany. OBJECTIVE: The current article reflects current opinions of German ophthalmologists regarding glaucoma care, therapeutic strategies, and the role of glaucoma surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was conducted using an online questionnaire with 26 questions (107 items) regarding care practice for glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. Complete responses were available from 1361 participants. RESULTS: A total of 84.8% of responders define a target pressure regularly. A systemic therapeutic approach is followed by 44.9%. Two thirds consider side effects of eye drops to impair quality of life. Most common are conjunctival hyperemia and burning. Non-adherence to treatment is estimated to occur in 32% of patients. Approximately 5-10% of glaucoma patients are treated surgically. Among interventional treatment options, 90% consider trabeculectomy beneficial, followed by minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), which are, however, the most commonly performed procedures. CONCLUSION: The choice of treatment should intend a long-lasting reduction of intraocular pressure and yet to be reasonable and manageable. There is a demand for more overview and structured care.
BACKGROUND: The options for glaucoma treatment are quite diverse. The question therefore arises what is considered beneficial and feasible in daily practice. Our anonymized survey among members of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and the Professional Association of Ophthalmologists in Germany (BVA) intends to explore treatment patterns and strategies in routine glaucoma care in Germany. OBJECTIVE: The current article reflects current opinions of German ophthalmologists regarding glaucoma care, therapeutic strategies, and the role of glaucoma surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was conducted using an online questionnaire with 26 questions (107 items) regarding care practice for glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. Complete responses were available from 1361 participants. RESULTS: A total of 84.8% of responders define a target pressure regularly. A systemic therapeutic approach is followed by 44.9%. Two thirds consider side effects of eye drops to impair quality of life. Most common are conjunctival hyperemia and burning. Non-adherence to treatment is estimated to occur in 32% of patients. Approximately 5-10% of glaucoma patients are treated surgically. Among interventional treatment options, 90% consider trabeculectomy beneficial, followed by minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), which are, however, the most commonly performed procedures. CONCLUSION: The choice of treatment should intend a long-lasting reduction of intraocular pressure and yet to be reasonable and manageable. There is a demand for more overview and structured care.
Authors: Alexander K Schuster; Carl Erb; Esther M Hoffmann; Thomas Dietlein; Norbert Pfeiffer Journal: Dtsch Arztebl Int Date: 2020-03-27 Impact factor: 5.594