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Compliance and persistency in glaucoma follow-up treatment
1Glaucoma Consultants, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21204, USA. schwartzgf@aol.com
Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
|March 4, 2005
Summary
Patient medication compliance and persistency in glaucoma and ocular hypertension are often poor, with noncompliance rates exceeding 25%. Addressing situational factors and medication regimen complexity is key to improving adherence and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Glaucoma and ocular hypertension require long-term medication adherence for effective management.
- Patient compliance and persistency with ocular hypotensive therapies are critical but often suboptimal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research on patient compliance and persistency for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension from 1980-2004.
- To propose strategies for ophthalmologists to enhance patient adherence.
- To identify future research directions in this field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published between 1980 and October 2004.
- Analysis of various methods used to measure medication compliance (self-reports, MPR, electronic monitoring).
- Examination of factors contributing to noncompliance and poor persistency.
Main Results:
- Noncompliance rates of at least 25% are commonly reported in glaucoma patients.
- Key barriers to compliance include situational/environmental factors and medication regimen complexity.
- Persistency with ocular hypotensive therapies is poor, with less than 25% of patients persistent at 12 months.
Conclusions:
- Accurate assessment of patient compliance and persistency is vital for optimal glaucoma care.
- Misinterpreting noncompliance as treatment failure can lead to unnecessary interventions and increased healthcare costs.
- Improving adherence strategies is essential to prevent suboptimal treatment outcomes.