[Early adherence to anti-glaucoma therapy: An observational study]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Public Health

Background:

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness.
• Effective glaucoma management relies on consistent patient adherence to prescribed therapy.
• Early treatment persistence data for first-line glaucoma medications in France is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the 12-month persistence rates of first-line glaucoma therapies in France.
• To identify variations in persistence based on patient characteristics and drug classes.
• To evaluate adherence dimensions beyond simple persistence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of French National Claims data (2005-2008) for 5331 patients initiating chronic glaucoma therapy.
• Defined 12-month persistence as continuous use of the initial drug class.
• Compared persistence rates across different drug classes (prostaglandins, beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors) and patient demographics.

Main Results:

• Only 45% of patients demonstrated 12-month persistence with first-line glaucoma therapy.
• Persistence varied significantly by drug class, with prostaglandins (59%) showing higher rates than topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (26%).
• Younger (<40) and older (≥80) patients, and those requiring social assistance, were less persistent.

Conclusions:

• Early persistence to first-line glaucoma therapy in France is low.
• Prostaglandins demonstrate superior persistence compared to other first-line agents.
• Improving patient education and addressing adherence barriers are essential for enhancing glaucoma care quality.