Statement of Need

Glaucoma, a group of ocular diseases characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve, is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting a significant and growing portion of the US population.1,2

Much remains to be understood about the pathophysiology of glaucoma, but high intraocular pressure (IOP) has been identified as a key risk factor for progression. Medical and surgical therapies for the disease are primarily directed at reducing IOP.

Recent years have seen significant innovation in the treatment of glaucoma, including gentler and more effective topical drugs, less invasive surgical techniques, and new molecules and mechanisms of action. As pharmaceutical and surgical treatments for glaucoma rapidly advance—and as research continues to provide insights about the disease’s neurologic underpinnings—comprehensive ophthalmologists are challenged to remain up-to-date.

To give their glaucoma patients the full benefit of treatment advances, clinicians require clear, actionable insights from subspecialists and researchers. Topics in Glaucoma will present current research in the context of comprehensive care, providing non-specialists with clearly presented, evidence-based clinical judgments from experts in the field.

References:

  1. Resnikoff S, Pascolini D, Etya’ale D, et al. Global data on visual impairment in the year 2002. Bull World Health Organ. 2004 November;82(11):844-51.
  2. Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group. Prevalence of open-angle glaucoma among adults in the United States. Arch Ophthalmol. 2004;122:532-8.

Off-label Use Statement: This work may discuss off-label uses of medications.

General Information: This CME activity is sponsored by the University of Florida College of Medicine and is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Bausch + Lomb, Inc.

Accreditation Statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the University of Florida College of Medicine and Candeo Clinical/Science Communications, LLC. The University of Florida College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement: The University of Florida College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.