In glaucoma, the crucial predictors for management success are medication adherence and participation in regular clinical monitoring.
One of the most important contributions you can make to protect your vision is to follow your treatment regimen as prescribed and attend regular follow-up appointments. As glaucoma is a progressive lifelong disease, your eye pressure, optic nerves and visual field results need ongoing monitoring by your ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Nearly 50% of people diagnosed with glaucoma stop taking their medications within six months! The reasons for this are many. They may have difficulty with eye drops, are worried about side effects or have just become forgetful or complacent because their sight seems OK.
Currently the only established treatment for glaucoma is to lower your eye pressure to an acceptable level. This ‘safe’ level is different for every patient and might change over time. That’s why it’s important to follow the routine that your eye care professional has planned for you.
Ongoing follow-up appointments are vital in maintaining effective glaucoma management. Your eye care professional will determine how often your condition should be assessed based on your individual circumstances, but most glaucoma patients need three to six-monthly reviews.
Glaucoma Australia provide free education and support to help you every step of the way.
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Kelly’s positive attitude to her congenital glaucoma diagnosis and life is infectious. She advises others with the condition to ensure they seek out support so they know they are not alone.
