A Canadian glaucoma strategy.
BACKGROUND
To develop Canadian guidelines for the management of primary open-angle glaucoma and provide a quick and practical reference for physicians in the office setting.


METHODS
A Canadian Glaucoma Strategy began with a review of the literature and existing guidelines, as well as consultation with glaucoma specialists and general ophthalmologists across Canada. The resulting information was assessed by a panel of glaucoma experts and general ophthalmologists at the Canadian Glaucoma Strategy Forum to distill what was learned and construct the algorithms of care.


RESULTS
A Canadian Glaucoma Strategy was developed in 4 algorithms. First, patients are diagnosed on the basis of risk assessment and clinical findings. The staging algorithm is designed to determine the disease stage, while the treatment and follow-up algorithms focus on control of intraocular pressure and continuing patient follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
A Canadian Glaucoma Strategy is a practical series of algorithms that can be at hand in the office setting, providing the general ophthalmologist with an up-to-date guide for the management of patients with glaucoma concerns.
LeBlanc
Raymond P
RP
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University Eye Care Center, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. r.leblanc@dal.ca
D000465:Algorithms; D002170:Canada; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D005791:Patient Care; D018570:Risk Assessment