[Life satisfaction in patients with chronic glaucoma-An overview]

How do patients perceive fear and psychological challenges emerging from a chronic disease and how does this influence their commitment to treatment? Treating patients suffering from glaucoma requires not only medical knowledge but also empathy, communication skills and a positive valuing doctor-patient relationship, thus, having a good eye for the challenges in the treatment of patients with glaucoma. Supplementary, a method and a case study for the measurement of satisfaction with life in patients with glaucoma is introduced. The results and the benefits of an individual evaluation and analysis of the results with each patient are discussed in this article. To make the patients aware of possible psychological challenges and to address possible solutions, ophthalmologists should use and analyze questionnaires with their patients individually. The relationship to the patient and a valuing guidance of the patient are essential to the promotion of the effectiveness of treatment and adherence of the patient.