Why is overtreatment of IOP not desirable in glaucoma care?

• A. It can create undue burden due to complex meds, side effects, risks, cost, and psychological effects
• B. It cures disease quickly
• C. It reduces treatment costs
• D. It has no risks

Answer: (A)

In glaucoma care, lowering IOP is beneficial, but the goal is to do so in a way that the patient can tolerate and sustain over time. Overtreatment pushes therapy beyond what is needed for protection and adds unnecessary burden. Medications often bring side effects, ranging from local irritation, conjunctival redness, and dry eye to systemic effects when multiple drugs are used. The regimen’s complexity and frequency increase the risk of poor adherence, which can undermine real-world effectiveness. The financial cost—more drops, more visits, potential procedures—also grows, creating a barrier for the patient and the healthcare system. The psychological burden of chronic treatment, anxiety about side effects, and the daily reminder of disease can further diminish quality of life and adherence. Because the aim is to balance sufficient IOP reduction with tolerability, the option that highlights the burden across meds, side effects, risks, cost, and psychological effects best captures why excessive treatment is undesirable.