Statement of Need

After more than a decade in which no new drug class has been approved for treatment of glaucoma, at least three new ocular antihypertensive drugs are poised for approval within the coming 1-2 years. In an environment where novel agents for the treatment of glaucoma are coming to market with unprecedented rapidity, ophthalmologists are challenged to provide the highest quality care, based on the best and most recent data.

But sifting through that data is a challenge: There are competing claims from manufacturers and a plethora of basic and clinical science papers in the peer-reviewed journals on new topics, including the relationship between ocular perfusion pressure and glaucomatous damage and the impact of nocturnal intraocular pressure fluctuations on glaucomatous disease progression.

The result is a significant need for the clear, actionable information that supports evidence-based clinical decision making that is readily accessible by comprehensive ophthalmologists. This is especially the case for ophthalmologists who treat glaucoma but do not consider it a subspecialty interest. This knowledge gap can have a substantial impact on patients—glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and affects a significant and growing portion of the US population.1,2

Advances in Medical Glaucoma Management will present new medical glaucoma therapies and trial data in the context of what is needed to offer comprehensive ophthalmic care. Clear, evidence-based, actionable insights from subspecialists and researchers will help clinicians give their glaucoma patients the full benefit of treatment advances.

References

  1. Resnikoff S, Pascolini D, Etya’ale D, et al. Global data on visual impairment in the year 2002. Bull World Health Organ. 2004 November;82(11):844-51.
  2. Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group. Prevalence of open-angle glaucoma among adults in the United States. Arch Ophthalmol. 2004;122:532-8.

Off-label Use Statement: This work may discuss off-label uses of medications.

General Information: This CME activity is sponsored by the University of Florida College of Medicine and is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Bausch + Lomb, Inc.

Accreditation Statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the University of Florida College of Medicine and Candeo Clinical/Science Communications, LLC. The University of Florida College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement: For each video, the University of Florida College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

Date of Original Release: February 2017. Approved for a period of 12 months.