Cost effectiveness analysis associated to the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma according to disease severity

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) treatment should be individually tailored to the disease severity and type, effectiveness and secondary side effects of the medications used. This research aimed to assess the direct medical costs and the cost effectiveness associated with pharmacotherapy in visually impaired people with POAG according to disease severity.

Methods This scientific study is designed as an observational cross-sectional study with a quantitative analytical approach and was conducted in the period from July 2020 to June 2021 on the territory of North Macedonia. The study included 157 patients with binocular POAG in the early, moderate and advanced clinical stage, up to the age of 67, with changes in visual acuity and work ability. During the assessment of the effects of pharmacotherapy were analyzed the types, mutual correlations and effectiveness of the most commonly prescribed antiglaucomatous medications and the cost benefit from their administration. Direct medical costs are calculated according to disease severity in the last 12 months using real-time data of public interest.

Results The beta blockers due to their affordable price and availability are the dominant option with high-cost benefit for primary treatment of POAG. Antiglaucoma medications and diagnostic procedures are major components of direct medical treatment costs.

Conclusion Pharmacotherapy is the dominant alternative compared to other types of treatment because it is safer and is associated with greater effectiveness and lower direct medical costs.

Keywords: pharmacotherapy; direct medical costs; antiglaucoma medications; economic burden