Vision Loss Can Be Silent.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, affecting over 80 million people worldwide—yet more than half of cases go undiagnosed. Many patients don’t realize their vision is deteriorating until it’s too late. Just one month of undetected high intraocular pressure (IOP) can lead to permanent vision loss. Nearly half of all mild to moderate glaucoma patients are actively worsening—often without knowing it. Above Age 60, prevalence in Glaucoma can up to 8% - an alarming figure that highlights the enormous need for frequent screening and monitoring.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) has emerged as a transformative approach in glaucoma management, offering continuous, real-time data collection outside traditional clinical settings. This paradigm shift enables earlier detection of disease progression, personalized treatment plans, and improved patient adherence.

Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring in Glaucoma.

1. Continuous IOP Monitoring

Traditional in-clinic IOP measurements provide only a snapshot, potentially missing significant fluctuations. Studies have shown that nearly two-thirds of patients experience peak IOP outside regular clinic hours, particularly at night. Devices like the Sensimed Triggerfish, a contact lens sensor, allow for 24-hour IOP monitoring, capturing diurnal variations and enabling timely interventions. ​

2. Enhanced Access to Care

RPM reduces the need for frequent clinic visits, alleviating the burden on overwhelmed glaucoma services and improving access for patients, especially those in remote or underserved areas. Teleglaucoma initiatives have demonstrated cost-effectiveness and high patient satisfaction, making glaucoma care more accessible.

3. Empowered Clinical Decision-Making

By providing clinicians with comprehensive, longitudinal data, RPM facilitates more informed decision-making. This continuous data stream enables ophthalmologists to detect subtle changes in disease progression, adjust treatment plans promptly, and personalize care strategies. ​

4. Improved Patient Engagement and Adherence

Home monitoring fosters patient empowerment, encouraging active participation in disease management. Regular feedback and the convenience of at-home measurements can enhance adherence to treatment regimens and prompt patients to report symptoms earlier.

References

  1. American Academy of Ophthalmology. "Remote Monitoring Comes Into Focus." ​American Academy of Ophthalmology

  2. Glaucoma Today. "Remote Monitoring of Glaucoma." ​PubMed+2Glaucoma Today+2PMC+2

  3. PubMed Central. "Home monitoring for glaucoma." ​PMC+1ScienceDirect+1

  4. PubMed Central. "Telemedicine for Glaucoma: Guidelines and Recommendations." ​PMC

  5. Glaucoma Today. "Remote Diagnostics for Closer Clinical Teamwork." ​Glaucoma Today

  6. ScienceDirect. "Home Monitoring of Glaucoma Using a Home Tonometer and a Mobile App." ​Glaucoma Today+3ScienceDirect+3ScienceDirect+3