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Glaucoma medical treatment--2002: does yearly cost now equal the year?
J William Doyle1, M Fran Smith, John W Tierney
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA.
Background:
To review costs of the wide array of glaucoma medications available today as well as patient-assistance programs.
Methods:
Potential yearly costs for current frequently used single and multiple drug therapies were determined, taking into account the actual (not labeled) volume of drops in the bottled medications. Alternative modes for obtaining medications, such as compassionate-use programs, were also surveyed.
Results:
"Maximum" medical therapy may cost over $2000 per year. Allergan, Ciba, Merck, Pharmacia-Upjohn, and Alcon offer patient-assistance programs of variable simplicity of use.
Discussion:
The cost of maximum glaucoma medical therapy can assume a significant proportion of an elderly patient's yearly income.