Arch Ophthalmol Chic
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Arch Ophthalmol Chic · Jun 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialThe Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study: a randomized trial determines that topical ocular hypotensive medication delays or prevents the onset of primary open-angle glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and worldwide. Three to 6 million people in the United States are at increased risk for developing POAG because of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), or ocular hypertension. There is no consensus on the efficacy of medical treatment in delaying or preventing the onset of POAG in individuals with elevated IOP. Therefore, we designed a randomized clinical trial, the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. ⋯ Topical ocular hypotensive medication was effective in delaying or preventing the onset of POAG in individuals with elevated IOP. Although this does not imply that all patients with borderline or elevated IOP should receive medication, clinicians should consider initiating treatment for individuals with ocular hypertension who are at moderate or high risk for developing POAG.
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Arch Ophthalmol Chic · Jun 2002
Use of eye care and associated charges among the Medicare population: 1991-1998.
To examine trends in the utilization and cost of eye care in the Medicare population. ⋯ The proportion of the Medicare population receiving eye care increased between 1991 and 1998. Nevertheless, eye care costs did not increase, primarily because of constraints in charges associated with the management of cataract.