Adherence to Therapy in Glaucoma Treatment-A Review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Patient Adherence Research

Background:

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.
• Effective treatment relies on topical ocular hypotensive eyedrops.
• Poor medication adherence affects up to 50% of glaucoma patients, hindering treatment benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize methods for measuring patient adherence to glaucoma therapy.
• To review interventions aimed at improving glaucoma medication adherence.
• To emphasize a patient-centered approach in managing chronic glaucoma.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies measuring glaucoma medication adherence.
• Analysis of interventions designed to enhance patient compliance.
• Focus on patient education and incorporating patient perspectives.

Main Results:

• Identified various barriers to adherence, including medication type, physician-patient communication, and patient behavior.
• Highlighted the link between non-adherence and disease progression.
• Synthesized diverse adherence measurement techniques and intervention strategies.

Conclusions:

• Improving glaucoma medication adherence is essential for preserving vision.
• A patient-centered strategy, including education and understanding patient views, is key.
• Further research into effective adherence interventions is warranted.