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Abstract #8833 Published in IGR 5-1
Evidence-based medicine: The Finnish evidence-based guideline for openangle glaucoma
Tuulonen A; Airaksinen PJ; Erola E; Forsman E; FribergK; Kaila M; Klemetti A; Mäkelä M; Oskala P; Puska PActa Ophthalmologica Scandinavica 2003; 81: 3-18
In most patients, chronic open angle glaucoma is a slowly progressive disease. Eyes with very high intraocular pressure (IOP > 30 mmHg) are an exception and should be treated and followed very intensively. Since lowering IOP is the only means of treating glaucoma so far, the majority of research reports deal with the IOP lowering effect of the treatment. However, the primary goal of treatment is to prevent glaucomatous damage to the structures and function of the eye. The effectiveness of treatment is monitored with optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer imaging and with visual field examinations. If the glaucomatous changes are progressing, more effective treatment should be given. In the course of follow-up, it should be noted that the changes in the optic nerve structure and function appear and progress at different time-points with delays of up to several years. The assessment of abnormalities is dependent on the examination method, and requires a great deal of experience on the part of the examiner. The important risk factors in glaucoma are elevated IOP (even if IOP is within the normal range in half the patients), age, positive family history, exfoliation, race, and myopia.
Dr. P.J. Airaksinen, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oulu, Box 5000, FIN-90014Finland. juhani.airaksinen@oulu.fi
Classification:
11.1 General management, indication (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
12.1 General management, indication (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment)
15 Miscellaneous
