Facilitating patient compliance in glaucoma therapy

Noncompliance is a major problem in glaucoma therapy. The causes, forms, and sociological variables associated with noncompliance are reviewed. A comprehensive strategy to facilitate the safe and effective use of glaucoma medications is presented and discussed. This strategy combines education about the disease and its treatment, "tailoring" of the therapeutic regimen, training and reinforcement in eyedrop application, cooperation with primary care physicians, alleviating side effects, and improving doctor-patient relationships.