APGS Launches the 4th Edition of Its Glaucoma Guidelines at APGC 2024

The 7th Congress of the Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society (APGC 2024) witnessed the launch of the 4th edition of the Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Guidelines (APGG4) by the Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society (APGS). The updated publication, unveiled during Symposium Eight on Day Two of the conference, marks a step up in the standardization and optimization of glaucoma care across the Asia-Pacific region.¹

“It’s really been a very close working relationship over the past 18 months to bring the 4th edition of APGG to you today. Where all of you can see, witness, and hold the physical copy of all the blood and sweat we endured over the last 18 months,” said APGG4 Co-Chair Dr. Tina Wong (SGP) during the release symposium.

The Asia-Pacific population, with its vast ethnic and socio-economic diversity, presents unique challenges in managing glaucoma. “Asia alone accounts for 60% of glaucoma cases worldwide,” said APGG4 contributor Dr. Ching-Yu Cheng (Singapore). “And 3.6 million people are blind due to glaucoma in Asia alone.”

Recognizing these challenges, the APGS has meticulously crafted the APGG4 to serve as a comprehensive resource for ophthalmologists and healthcare providers. The guidelines aim to bridge gaps in knowledge and practice, providing a unified approach to glaucoma diagnosis and management while being sensitive to the varying healthcare infrastructures and resource availability across different countries.

The APGG4 reflects the latest in scientific research and expert consensus, but the guidelines are not only evidence-based. They are also practical and adaptable to the diverse conditions within the Asia-Pacific region.

New and improved

The new edition of the APGG boasts an improved layout. The previous publication was divided into three chapters—assessment, treatment, and follow-up—with a number of appendices detailing specific topics, like gonioscopy and laser trabeculoplasty, at the very end.

The updated edition folds much of the 3rd edition appendices into the following new chapters:

Epidemiology of glaucoma in the Asia-Pacific region
Diagnostic workup
Management approach
Medical treatment
Surgical and laser treatment

For instance, gonioscopy is now included under Diagnostic Workup and laser trabeculoplasty appears in the Surgical and Laser Treatment chapter. This new structure offers a more intuitive presentation of information.

Staying current with the latest developments, the APGG4 has also incorporated detailed information on novel medications and techniques with proven safety and efficacy in glaucoma treatment, such as Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors and iDOSE (Glaukos).

Treatment algorithms, a useful feature from previous editions, appear every few pages in the APGG4. “It is for good reason. I think it is pragmatic,” said APPG4 contributor Dr. Victor Koh (Singapore) at APGC 2024. “It is practical when you are using the algorithms and applying them to your patients.”

The APGG4 also features Key Messages and Frequently Asked Questions for every section, providing readers with quick summaries and additional useful information.

History of the APGG

The APGG has a rich history of evolving to meet the needs of glaucoma patients and healthcare providers. The first edition, released in 2003, set the foundation for subsequent updates in 2008 and 2016. Each edition has built on the last, incorporating new research findings and clinical insights to stay at the forefront of glaucoma care.

As the APGG continues to evolve, it remains a critical tool for ophthalmologists and healthcare providers, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. By adapting these guidelines to local contexts and individual patient needs, healthcare professionals can ensure that they are providing the highest standard of care in the fight against glaucoma.

Editor’s Note: Reporting for this event took place during the 7th Congress of the Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society (APGC 2024), held from May 24-26, 2024 in Manila, Philippines.