Glaucoma patient-provider communication about vision quality-of-life

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to: (a) describe the extent to which ophthalmologists and glaucoma patients discuss vision quality-of-life during office visits, and (b) examine the association between patient and ophthalmologist characteristics and provider-patient communication about vision quality-of-life. Methods Patients with glaucoma who were newly prescribed or on glaucoma medications were recruited at six ophthalmology clinics. Patients' visits were video-tape recorded and quality-of-life communication variables were coded. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the data. Results Two hundred and seventy-nine patients participated. Specific glaucoma quality-of-life domains were discussed during only 13% of visits. Older patients were significantly more likely to discuss one or more vision quality-of-life domains than younger patients. African American patients were significantly less likely to make statements about their vision quality-of-life and providers were less likely to ask them one or more vision quality-of-life questions than non-African American patients. Conclusion Eye care providers and patients infrequently discussed the patient's vision quality-of-life during glaucoma visits. African American patients were less likely to communicate about vision quality-of-life than non-African American patients. Practice Implications Eye care providers should make sure to discuss vision quality-of-life with glaucoma patients.

Evaluation of heat shock protein (HSP-72) expression in retinal ganglion cells of rats with glaucoma

“…As intraocular tension increased, high intraocular tension persisted. The high intraocular tension group was found with increased HSP72 expression in RGC of the right eyes and positive cells of RGC ( 1 ), but there was no significant difference of HSP72 expression in glaucoma with normal intraocular tension and primary open angle glaucoma. So, the increased expression of HSP72 in glaucoma retina had no relation with intraocular tension.…”

“…However, it is associated with damage of optic nerve tissue during glaucoma. So, it could be suggested that HSP72 may play a protective role in the injury of glaucoma optic nerve for cells ( 1 ). Moreover, the intensity of HSP72 immuno-staining had regional difference in retina, as well as in single RGC.…”

“…Persistent high intraocular tension could damage the eyeball and visual function partially. The patients could even lose complete vision, if left untreated ( 1 ). Glaucoma leads to blindness, with total incidence rate of 1%, which gradually increases with age ( 2 ).…”

O impacto do glaucoma na qualidade de vida: uma revisão sistemática

“…O glaucoma vai progressivamente reduzindo o campo visual o que acarreta mais dificuldade para enxergar os objetos com clareza, limitando a realização das AVDs, como se alimentar, se vestir, ler, escrever e até tomar banho 5,7,11,19,23 . A falta de autonomia aumenta com o avanço da severidade da doença, de modo que quanto maior deficiência visual, mais dependência de outras pessoas, afetando as relações sociais de pacientes glaucomatosos 24,25 .…”

“…Orientar o paciente a respeito de possíveis efeitos colaterais e sobre as consequências graves da má aderência ao tratamento é fundamental para garantir o bem-estar do indivíduo. Diante disso, os profissionais de saúde precisam monitorar com regularidade a QV do paciente glaucomatoso, aplicando questionários e discutindo estratégias sobre como melhorar a QV 25,29 .…”