Efficacy Of First Line Surgical Treatment In The Management Of Patients Of An Underprivledged Socio Economic Status And A Diagnosis Of Glaucoma.

Background: This literature review study explores the efficacy of first line surgical treatment in the management of individuals with a diagnosis of Ggaucoma. It is focused on populations of patients who are of an under privileged socioeconomic status.
Methods: A search of peer reviewed journals was conducted to locate studies comparing
the efficacy of common surgical procedures for glaucoma as compared to medical therapy. Further distinction was employed as pertains to efficacy in management and feasibility in cost savings to society and the patient.
Results: Through double blind controlled studies glaucoma filtering surgeries have been
proven to be as effective as topical medical therapy in controlling glaucoma over a three
to five year period, savings in terms of health care budgets was deemed to be moderate.
Conclusions: While still needing further long term investigation, preliminary studies lend support to the theory of surgical intervention as a primary treatment in patients with glaucoma. However, the number of variables excludes this as a viable option currently.