Compliance with topical antiglaucoma medications

Abstract

Aim: To study the prevalence of non-compliance of patients with glaucoma using long-term topical antiglaucoma medications in a local population in Hong Kong.

Patients and methods: This hospital-based case series of patients with glaucoma was performed at the Glaucoma Clinic at the United Christian Hospital. During their follow-up visit at the outpatient clinic, patients with glaucoma were interviewed by the ophthalmologist-in-charge using a predetermined questionnaire. Open questions on patients’ compliance and related factors were asked. None of the patients was informed of the survey prior to recruitment. Non- compliance was defined as any missed dose during the interval between the previous and the present visit.

Results: From September 2001 to December 2002, seventy one patients were recruited into the study. The mean age was 65.3 ± 12.8 years. There were 35 men and 36 women. The non-compliance rate for glaucoma therapy in the studied population was 63.4%. The rate for more than 5 missed doses per week was 12.9%. No associated factors for non-compliance were found in this study.

Conclusions: The non-compliance rate with glaucoma therapy in this local population in Kowloon East was high. The main reasons for non-compliance were side effects and misunderstanding of the administration instructions.