[Life satisfaction in patients with chronic glaucoma-An overview]. / Lebenszufriedenheit im Umgang mit chronischen Glaukomerkrankungen ­ eine Übersicht.

How do patients perceive fear and psychological challenges emerging from a chronic disease and how does this influence their commitment to treatment? Treating patients suffering from glaucoma requires not only medical knowledge but also empathy, communication skills and a positive valuing doctor-patient relationship, thus, having a good eye for the challenges in the treatment of patients with glaucoma. Supplementary, a method and a case study for the measurement of satisfaction with life in patients with glaucoma is introduced. The results and the benefits of an individual evaluation and analysis of the results with each patient are discussed in this article. To make the patients aware of possible psychological challenges and to address possible solutions, ophthalmologists should use and analyze questionnaires with their patients individually. The relationship to the patient and a valuing guidance of the patient are essential to the promotion of the effectiveness of treatment and adherence of the patient.

[Psychosomatics in ophthalmology]. / Psychosomatik in der Augenheilkunde.

A patient who presents to undertake an examination and treatment in the eye clinic or the ophthalmologist's practice, comes not only as a "sick eye", but as a human being with a genetic predisposition, socialization, life experiences and individual behaviors. These influence not only the disease of the eye but also the communication with the patient, the patient-doctor relationship and the implementation and success of the treatment. In our ophthalmological practices, a psychosomatic approach means accepting the patient in his/her entirety and building a trusting patient-doctor relationship through adequate communication. With a resource-oriented approach the patient can be supported in coping with the illness and can be guided towards self-responsibility and self-efficacy. The skills for psychosomatically oriented work can be acquired through the training in basic psychosomatic care.

Psychosomatic Aspects in Preparation and Follow-Up in Glaucoma Surgery and Their Special Impact on Patients. / Psychosomatische Aspekte von operativen Eingriffen in Vorbereitung und Nachsorge und ihre besondere Bedeutung für Glaukompatienten.

Glaucoma patients often bear a long-lasting burden of disease. This can result in anxiety and stress. Causes and effects of anxiety are identified and case studies illustrate how to deal with them. Some knowledge of psychosomatic management is helpful for doctors in dealing with their patients to provide necessary treatment in a less fearful and stressful format.