Abstract
Purpose :
Glaucoma is a common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and new treatments are still being developed. Interest in and use of “alternative” treatments for many diseases by adults in the US has grown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of patient use of alternative treatments for glaucoma.
Methods :
A survey was adapted from two prior surveys on alternative treatments, one validated and one published in an AAO study. Surveys were administered from November-December 2021 to patients of the Rutgers Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science glaucoma clinic. Surveys were administered in an interview format with medical students reading survey questions to patients in a private room.
Results :
A total of 100 survey results were collected and analyzed. Average age of respondents was in their 60s, with the majority having glaucoma for 10 years or less (Table 1). Of respondents, 95% use at least 1 prescription eyedrop for glaucoma and 68% had prior surgery to treat their glaucoma. Data showed that 32% reported using nonconventional therapies to treat their glaucoma. Of those who use nonconventional therapies, the most common were use of vitamins (84.4%), changes to diet (28.1%), exercise (12.5%) and use of cannabis (18.8%) (Table 2). Common vitamin supplements used included Vitamins A, B, C, D, Vitamin B12, multivitamins, Turmeric, Omega 3, CoQ10, AREDS 2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Vitamins), and an eye specific formulation with bilberry, lutein and antioxidants. When asked if patients believed their use of nonconventional therapies lowered eye pressure, halted worsening of glaucoma, improved vision, or worked in general, most patients were unsure (43%, 59%, 53.1%, and 53.1% respectively). Very few patients discussed use of nonconventional therapies with their doctor (6.3%). Patients answered they were only “somewhat confident” that their dietary supplements would do as they claim (53%) or that their supplements are safe to consume (46.9%).
Conclusions :
The most common alternative treatment for glaucoma is vitamins followed by diet changes and cannabis. One in three glaucoma patients use alternative treatments, yet less than a tenth discussed it with their doctor, and most were unsure whether it had a definitive effect on their glaucoma. This indicates a need for increased research in the space as well as patient education on this evolving area of treatment.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.