Glaucoma

Treatment for glaucoma is similar to the treatment given in other areas of medicine, requiring thoughtful evaluation of the patient followed by an appropriate care plan. Research in glaucoma, however, has expanded the basic understanding of the nature of the disorder, creating situations and additional legal risks to confront the physician. Several major studies performed over the past 20 years have better identified the risk factors associated with both the presence and the progression of glaucoma. They also have increased those concerns that a physician must address to protect the patient's vision and avoid legal liability. Situations now exist that were not imagined in the past. Established duties such as informed consent and standard of care continue to be applicable to glaucoma, but recently updated standards and expectations have been established for glaucoma as they have been for medicine in general. The more important ones are addressed here. © 2008 Springer New York.

Duke Scholars

Author Paul Pue-Jung Lee Ophthalmology, Glaucoma