Medication Adherence in Patients With Glaucoma and Determinants of Treatment Adherence: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aims to assess the level of medication adherence among patients with glaucoma, examine the association between adherence and glaucoma progression, and identify determinants of adherence.

This hospital-based, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months. A total of 77 patients aged >18 years with glaucomatous changes were included. Data collection involved comprehensive ophthalmic examination and administration of the Glaucoma Adherence Study Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info version 7 (CDC, Atlanta, GA).

The mean age was 60.48 ± 13.32 years, with 62.34% males. Based on perimetry results, 24.7% had mild, 40.3% had moderate, and 35.0% had severe glaucoma. Medication adherence was reported as full adherence by 55.8% (43/77) of patients. Significant determinants influencing adherence included glaucoma severity (p = 0.002), education level (p < 0.001), income (p < 0.001), clinician-patient communication (p < 0.001), annual follow-up (p = 0.03), motivation (p < 0.001), memory (p < 0.001), difficulty in drop administration (p = 0.001), and side effects (p < 0.001).

Medication adherence among glaucoma patients was suboptimal at 55.8%. Multiple modifiable factors influenced adherence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions, including patient education, simplified regimens, and improved clinician-patient communication, to enhance treatment outcomes.

Glaucoma is a chronic progressive optic neuropathy and a leading cause of irreversible blindness. So the primary goal of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), usually through long-term use of topical medication. Poor adherence to prescribed therapy can lead to inadequate IOP control, faster progression of optic nerve damage, visual field deterioration, increased risk of irreversible vision loss and blindness, and greater healthcare costs due to additional treatment and follow-up visits.