Danger in Delaying Treatment Timely treatment for serious eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma is critical — even in the face of COVID-19. These progressive conditions can cause vision loss if not treated regularly. But like many Americans, the fear of contracting COVID-19 drove Richard Turner’s decision to delay treatment for macular degeneration, which nearly cost him his eyesight.
Paula Anne Newman-Casey, M.D., M.S.
Study Promotes Medication Adherence in Glaucoma Patients “Approximately half of glaucoma patients do not take their
Kellogg ophthalmologist Laxmi Devisetty, M.D., of the Grand Blanc satellite location, has been treating Turner since his return in June. “The good news is that we were able to resume treatment with injections, and were able to recover almost all of his vision,” she says, noting that he’s back to his regular monthly appointments. To ensure a safe environment for patients like Turner and clinic staff, Dr. Devisetty has implemented safety measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in her office. “Every patient and staff member wears a mask, we have protective barriers in place, our waiting process has been changed to minimize time in our waiting rooms, and we monitor everyone who comes to the office," says Dr. Devisetty. "We call the patients ahead of time and if they're sick or not able to come in we've been doing virtual visits.” Dr. Devisetty wants people to realize the risk of delaying treatment. “The biggest thing we want to accomplish here is to make sure people get the appropriate treatment at the right time and not lose their faculties, especially vision, because it's a life-changing situation and we have the appropriate precautions in place.” No one knows this better than Turner, who says he’s grateful for the treatment he’s once again getting at the center, adding, “Your life changes when your eyes don’t work.”
medication as prescribed,” says Kellogg ophthalmologist Paula Anne Newman-Casey, M.D., M.S. There are many reasons, including the fact that vision loss with glaucoma isn’t noticeable for a long time. “Often, patients don’t realize the benefits of eye drop medication until it’s too late.”
Dr. Newman-Casey was awarded a five-year R01 grant
by the NIH to study how a personalized glaucoma coaching intervention may improve medication adherence among glaucoma patients. The Support Educate Empower (SEE) Personalized Glaucoma Coaching Program Trial will begin enrolling in April. During the six-month program, paraprofessionals trained in motivational interviewing will provide counseling and education to glaucoma patients in an effort to improve medication adherence.
This randomized-controlled study of 230 glaucoma patients
will compare those who are coached during three in-person sessions and five between-visit phone sessions with patients who receive gold-standard written information about glaucoma and its management over the six months.
“This is the way of the future,” says Dr. Newman-Casey.
“People are living longer and the prevalence of glaucoma is predicted to increase as the population ages. Glaucoma selfmanagement support is key to improving outcomes for these patients, and leveraging a team that includes both a doctor and a health coach is an important part of the solution.”
NIH R01 GRANTS 17
