Glaucoma treatment adherence at a United Kingdom general practice

PurposeTo estimate patient adherence with glaucoma therapy and identify factors associated with adherence using computerised patient prescribing records.MethodsIdentification of patients diagnosed with glaucoma, ocular hypertension or suspect glaucoma and/or prescribed topical glaucoma medications registered at a United Kingdom general practice with 13 422 patients. Adherence was defined as the average difference in the actual number of prescriptions collected annually compared to twelve prescriptions required annually (one bottle per month) over the duration of treatment.ResultsOverall, 278 patients were identified of which 139 (50%) were male. The average age was 72 years (range: 22-100). A total of 206 patients (74%) were prescribed glaucoma treatment. Adherence varied significantly between age groups with younger patients demonstrating poorest adherence (P=0.0347). There was no statistical difference when comparing medication class, diagnosis, co-morbidities, or the number of drops being taken.ConclusionsGlaucoma treatment adherence improves with increasing age. Older patients require more prescriptions and may be experiencing drop wastage. Younger patients should be targeted with educational interventions to improve their understanding of glaucoma, and older patients for drop technique review. General practices are well placed to provide such interventions.