What constitutes a 'failure' of glaucoma medications?

• A. Normal intraocular pressure with no change
• B. Excellent control with no side effects
• C. High adherence and satisfaction
• D. Ineffective, intolerance, allergic

Answer: (D)

Failure of glaucoma medications means the treatment cannot achieve the desired drop in intraocular pressure or cannot be tolerated by the patient. If a drug doesn’t lower IOP enough to reach the target range, ongoing risk to the optic nerve persists. If the patient has intolerance (such as significant conjunctival irritation or headaches) or an actual allergic reaction to the medication or its preservative, continuing the same therapy isn’t feasible. Those situations describe treatment failure. By comparison, normal IOP with no change, excellent control with no side effects, or high adherence and satisfaction indicate successful management.