УДК 57.085.23+612.826.5+617.731+617.735

Valeriu Cusnir, Lilia Dumbraveanu, Valentina Lupan, Bobescu Doina

Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

Background. Glaucoma is a pathology disorder characterized by progressive atrophy of the optic nerve and gradual impairment of the visual field, often causing blindness. It has a high global prevalence and often is asymptomatic for a long time until the final stages. 

In the Republic of Moldova glaucoma is the main cause of irreversible blindness and the second cause of preventable blindness. The incidence of glaucoma is about 3,000 people annually. Glaucoma is one of the most important causes of disability in the population and continues to be a challenging problem in modern ophthalmology. The actuality relevance of the problem is conditioned by the social importance of this pathology because disorder also affects people of working age. All this can be prevented with improved screening methods and effective methods of diagnosis and treatment. Modern methods of treatment are used in our country according to the national clinical protocol. First-line antiglaucoma drugs are prostaglandin analogues, beta-blockers, selective alpha-adrenergic agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Also, laser treatment options are available: laser trabeculoplasty, laser gonioplasty, laser iridotomy, etc. Surgical methods are classified into penetrating (trabeculectomy and trabeculotomy) and non-penetrating (viscocanalostomy, canaloplasty). The following drainage systems are used: autodrain, allodren, drainage systems made of synthetic materials and metal drains (EX-PRESS shunt). The clinical protocol is intended for ophthalmologists, family doctors and all participants of the process of diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. 

Conclusion. Glaucoma is a disorder with a major social impact because it leads to irreversible blindness and disability of the population. Glaucoma continues to be a complicated condition in modern ophthalmology and a challenging public health problem. 

Received 21 July 2021