For healthcare professionals
Adherence is one of the biggest challenges in glaucoma. There is a risk of losing vision due to lack of adherence, according to the analysis from the Cost Utility Analysis of Glaucoma Medication Adherence study: “To increase the effectiveness of our current glaucoma treatments, there is a critical need to focus on helping support patients in improving their glaucoma medication adherence.” 6
Also, non-adherence is linked to side effects and preservatives. In a recent study, almost one third of glaucoma patients (30.3%) reported nonadherence to their prescribed treatment. It was more than twice as common in patients who experienced at least one side effect than those with no side effects (37.6% vs 18.4%; p = 0.004). Non-adherence rates were highest for preserved drops (32%) and lowest for preservative-free drops (12.5%).7
Removing the preservatives can improve quality of life and adherence to treatment.8
Education of glaucoma patients is essential to ensure they adhere to the treatment, and they understand about their condition. It is also important for the patient to report any side effects to the medication, as there are different options available for them.
Find out more from the glaucoma experts:
Zena Rodrigues, Consultant Nurse in Ophthalmology, Western Eye Hospital, London: