advertisement
Editorial IGR 4-2
Dear Reader,
GEM
Many readers consider IGR to be a gem: a jewel of information on glaucoma. IGR uses its three-stage information system: flashes, highlights, editor's selection, leading if need be to the relevant abstract. To improve this system even more, we have added another GEM: Glaucoma E-Mail network. IGR readers - those for whom we have an e-mail address - will receive an e-mail announcing the new issue. This e-mail will have several flashes: one-liners indicating interesting subjects which are discussed in IGR. Click on the flash and get the relevant comment in the Editor's Selection, click once more and get the abstract.
GEM: a new rapid glaucoma information system from IGR.
Treatment
The last four months in glaucoma were, to no small extent, devoted to Ocular Hypertension (OHT). The results of OHT travelled around the world and created great excitement, first of all because the treatment of OHT helps. No doubt about that. The question of when this treatment is necessary is now open to discussion. The reader will find some of this discussion in the Editor's Selection. In fact, the discussion is still open, and will remain so unless we reach global consensus on the management of OHT.
Almost at the other end is neuroprotection for glaucomatous optic neuropathy. This is for the greater part in the experimental stage, although the Memantine study in humans shows just how close it may be.
A short report deals with low-budget glaucoma neuroprotection - or should we
call this improvement of blood flow - in China, based on the Erigeron herb, an ancient
folk remedy.
The Editor's Selection also discusses some aspects of neuroprotection.
Furthermore, this issue of IGR includes a comment on the Glutamate theory, a report
on stem cell brainstorm, and meeting reports from the EGS, SAGS and SEAGIG.
WGA
The WGA is moving forward with its plans to globalize Guidelines for a number of important subjects, such as a Global Code of Practice, Global Guidelines for Reporting and Publishing, Global Guidelines for the Conduct of Meetings, and last but not least, Global Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment.
The average reader may not be fully aware of the emphasis that is being placed
on the ethics of the relationship between Glaucoma therapists and the Glaucoma Industry.
We are moving towards definitions of ethical and independent relationships in all
the above-mentioned - related - fields, which are expected to lead to an unbiased,
practical exchange of information: glaucoma meetings that present available data
in perspective, followed by critical discussion by independent experts.
Both glaucomatologists and general ophthalmologists will benefit from this effort,
as will glaucoma patients.
Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment have now been created in several parts of the world. Even though local situations may differ regarding aspects of management, it can be expected that the essence of glaucoma treatment is the same all over the globe: time to compare and coordinate these geographically different guidelines.
The WGA works on more aspects of glaucoma, and we plan to update the readership in the introduction of each IGR.
Editor's Selection
Together with what has already been mentioned above, the Editor's Selection provides, among other things, interesting information on the relationship between IOP and age, the three components of cell death, TGF-β in the aqueous humor of glaucoma patients, comprehensive glaucoma imaging work-stations, the race between structural and functional examinations, hearing loss in pseudoexfoliation, Schlemm's canalitis, OHTS revisited, additivity to latanoprost, the use of cannabis, a genetherapy review, and finally, non-perforating surgery with antifibrosis treatment and other aspects. A true joy for the avid glaucomatophil.
Enjoy your reading!
Erik L. Greve
