Management of Glaucoma in the Maltese Health Service

Abstract

Glaucoma is a disease with characteristic changes of the optic nerve, visual field and raised intra ocular pressure. Its prevalence varies between, 1.6 to 8% and is dependent on the ethnic composition of the population and it is one of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world. There are 67 800 000 people worldwide suffering from glaucoma.1 In recent years, a number of highly potent topical medications have been introduced. These have substantially improved the conservative management of glaucoma. New laser techniques are also being used and safer operative techniques have been developed in order to cope with the more resistant cases of glaucoma. A previous study on `Glaucoma in Malta', conducted in 1989, established that 3% of Maltese population over the age of 40 suffers from glaucoma.2 This study was carried out in order to assess the management of glaucoma patients in the Maltese Government Health Service at the present time.