on the net
Glaucoma Compliance: a Basic Primer

The Web site www.glaucomafoundation.org of the Glaucoma Foundation provides a wide range of information for patient's interested in finding out more about glaucoma. The "About Glaucoma" section describes the disease, provides information on the workings of the eye, defines the different types of glaucoma, discusses who is at risk for getting glaucoma, the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, surgical procedures, a patient guide, glossary of terms and a "Where can I learn more?" section.

The "Newsroom" section has an article titled "All You Need to Know About Compliance." The article features the foundation's top 10 recommendations for a successful and compliant treatment program. They are:

1. Ask questions to understand how your treatment plan works and what the results may be.

2. Work with your doctor to simplify your treatment regimen to the extent possible.

3. Work with your doctor to fit the dosage regimen to your lifestyle to the extent possible.

4. If you have difficulty remembering your medicine schedule, ask your doctor to help write out your treatment plan in large, clear letters — identifying the bottles by description as well as by name.

5. Ask your doctor about the expected side effects of any new medication or surgery.

6. Remember that allergies to topical medications are often reactions to the preservatives.

7. Rely upon trained staff in your doctor�s practice, other than your doctor, to help you manage your disease more effectively and knowledgeably.

8. Keep pertinent information in writing: record the time each drug should be taken and the time of each eye examination; keep a journal of how your medication makes you feel so that you can relay this information to your doctor during your next visit.

9. Bring a relative or close friend with you to your doctor appointments.

10. Log on to The Glaucoma Foundation's Web site to find brochures, articles, past issues of the "Eye to Eye" Newsletter and links to other related organizations.

If you've discovered a Web site or service that's been useful to you, we'd like to know about it.E-mail Leslie Goldberg at goldbergl@lwwvisioncare.com or call her at (215) 643-8082.