An article published in the January 2008 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, researchers from The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center College of Medicine, analysed the economics of medically managing glaucoma. The management of glaucoma reportedly costs about $2.5 billion per year in the US. The yearly costs to patients of various topical glaucoma medications were calculated and significant price differences and increases in cost over time were found.
In the article 'Cost Analysis of Glaucoma Medications' by Nathan R. Rylander and Steven D. Vold researchers looked at four classes of pharmaceuticals; ß-blockers, prostaglandins, α2-agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. They compared both brand-name and generic formulations, evaluated how accurately the bottles were filled and how accurately the medications could be dispensed by patients. Using results from earlier studies, the increases in Average Wholesale Prices (AWP) were also evaluated from 1999 through 2006.
A peer-reviewed scientific publication, the American Journal of Ophthalmology publishes original articles, brief reports, perspectives, editorials, abstracts, correspondence, book reports and announcements. The journal welcomes the submission of original, previously unpublished manuscripts directed to ophthalmologists and visual science specialists describing clinical investigations, clinical observations and clinically relevant laboratory investigations.
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