Anxiety associated with glaucoma

Pearls Manager: Andrew Tatham

Diagnosis with glaucoma is a moment of anxiety for patients that can be mitigated by provision of timely support and information. Empathy is particularly important when providing a diagnosis – put yourself in the patient’s shoes, try to understand what they are thinking and feeling, and give them plenty of opportunity to ask questions and express their fears. Concerns about future deterioration in sight, about ability to hold a driving license, about difficulties with healthcare provision, and about age-related difficulties in managing treatment are common.

EGS Terminology and Guidelines for Glaucoma, 5th edition. Page 30.