Susanna S. Park, MD, PhD

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible legal blindness in the elderly. Although nothing can reverse the associated vision loss, treatments are available that can slow the rate of progression of this condition. These options include supplemental high-dose vitamin therapy, diet and lifestyle changes, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and intravitreal injection of anti-angiogenic medications. Early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment are critical.

Julia Song, MD

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. The 2 main types of glaucoma are open-angle and narrow-angle. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, typically resulting in loss of peripheral vision, which eventually progresses to involve the central visual field. Because patients with glaucoma are usually asymptomatic, primary care physicians can play a vital role in recognizing this silent cause of blindness. The goal of treatment, which consists of eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, or surgery, is to lower intraocular pressure. Eye drops are effective but can have local as well as systemic side effects. Early recognition in the primary care setting and timely referral to ophthalmologists can prevent permanent vision loss.

Tommy S. Korn, MD, FACS

The red eye is the most common ocular disorder seen by primary care physicians and ophthalmologists. Often benign and self-limiting, some diseases associated with a red eye can nevertheless threaten eyesight or even life. Disorders that cause rapid blindness include infectious corneal ulcers, angle-closure glaucoma, traumatic or postoperative endophthalmitis, hyperacute gonococcal conjunctivitis, chemical injuries, and ocular trauma. The many clinical images accompanying the conditions discussed will enhance recognition of the important symptoms and signs of each disease, enabling the primary care physician to appropriately manage the patient with a red eye and refer urgent cases to an ophthalmologist.

Khang Nguyen, MD

Bobby S. Korn, MD, PhD and Don O. Kikkawa, MD

Tommy S. Korn, MD, FACS

Prepared by Herbert L. Fred, MD, Professor of Medicine, Dan Vaisman, MD, Fellow in Cardiology, The Texas Heart

Prepared by Tomy P. Kalapparambath, MD, Resident, Rizwana Afzal, MD, Attending Physician, and Ronald A.

Series Editor: Herbert L. Fred, MD

Jeff Oscar González, MD

Lauren S. Schlesselman, PharmD

Lauren S. Schlesselman, PharmD

Susan Farley

Susan Farley

Susan Farley

Susan Farley

Susan Farley

Martin A. Erickson III, RPh

Melinda Jean Throm, PharmD, BCPS; Jeffrey Fudin, BS, PharmD, RPh, DAAPM; & James A. D. Otis, MD

James C. McAllister III, MS, FASHP, Pharmacy Times Editor, Health-Systems Pharmacy Section

Fred M. Eckel, RPh, MS, Pharmacy Times Editor-in-Chief

Quinn Stanton Wells, PharmD

Don Calhoun

Ken Rankin

Ken Rankin

Ken Rankin

Ken Rankin

Ken Rankin

Ken Rankin

Larry M. Simonsmeier, JD, RPh

Cmdr John Burke

Stefanie Ferreri, PharmD, CDE

Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN

Yvette C. Terrie, BSPharm, RPh

Susan Farley

Susan Farley

Susan Farley

Susan Farley

Jeannette Yeznach Wick, RPh, MBA, FASCP

Anna D. Garrett, PharmD, BCPS, CPP

Max Sherman, BSPharm

Yvette C. Terrie, BSPharm, RPh

Claudio Faria, PharmD; Carolyn Soo, PharmD; and Diem Chi Tran

Monica Holmberg, PharmD

Guido R. Zanni, PhD

Kate Kelly, PharmD

John R. Horn, PharmD, FCCP, and Philip Hansten, PharmD