Glaucoma is a common disease of the eye that is caused by the build up of fluid within the front part of the organ. The net effect of this is an increase in pressure within the structure, which is often referred to as increased intraocular pressure (IOP). This eye condition can present at any age but generally affects adults in their 70’s and 80’s. If this medical condition is not treated effectively then the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain becomes damaged and sight can be irreversibly lost. Clearly, early treatment intervention and patient education is central to ensuring best possible outcomes.

Glaucoma does not normally cause issues at the outset. The build up in IOP is gradual and can develop over many years. Patients tend to notice issues with the edges of their vision and consequently become concerned prompting a visit to their local healthcare professional (i.e. #pharmacist or #optometrist). This disease of the eye is generally diagnosed during a routine eye test in the community setting. Typical symptoms include blurred vision or bright lights engulfed by rainbows. Either eye can be affected but Glaucoma is usually worse in one eye. Sudden onset Glaucoma can result in:

Eye pain
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Red eye
Eye tenderness

Glaucoma is readily managed in the clinical setting by the administration of medicine, typically eye drops. Ophthalmic preparations aim to reduce the IOP. This is achieved by allowing the fluid in the eye to drain away easily hence dropping the pressure. A very easy analogy to consider is that of the bath where we have a holding vessel (i.e. the eye) and a set of taps and plug system to allow drainage. The ophthalmic formulation (i.e. eye drops) allows for the ready flow of fluid away from the eye, hence reducing the pressure.

The Pharmacist is well-placed to advise patients within the community setting on how to use their eye drops to achieve maximum benefit. Also, the Pharmacist may work closely with the local Optician to educate the patient accordingly. Key aspects for consideration include:

Ease of opening the eye drop bottle
Ease of squeezing the eye drop bottle
Positioning of the bottle in relation to the eye, esp. with dexterity issues
Taste in the mouth further to drop delivery to the eye
Compliance
Complexity in the routine

In order to achieve improved levels of patient education, Glaucoma.uk are providing pilot training to Pharmacy professionals at this present moment in time. Key aspects of the training package include:

Why it is important to use eye drops regularly
How eye drops should be applied

Importantly, the training provided by Glaucoma.uk is underpinned by direct patient involvement. That is to say, patient feedback has been used to shape the educational support package for Pharmacy professionals, hence placing a different slant on what is delivered at university or observed during everyday practice.

A key innovative step is the inclusion of a special training aid with associated supporting information. The educational package, as a whole, is available for those interested via a face-to-face or online models. For those wishing to take part then contact via professionals@glaucoma.uk is a must!

We certainly advocate this positive, patient-centered initiative here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk!