Assessment of Glaucoma Medication Compliance

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess glaucoma medication compliance and its causative factors in glaucoma patients. METHODS: This study was performed via a structured questionnaire given to 415 glaucoma patients using eye drops for glaucoma treatment. The degree of compliance was evaluated by using compliance score (range, 0-100) which was calculated based on the number of days of missing medication per month. The degree of symptoms and complications related to glaucoma and its medication were investigated using the Glaucoma Symptom Scale (GSS). The effect of sex, age, treatment duration, knowledge about the glaucoma medication, number of eye drops, class of glaucoma medication, family support for eye drop use, and GSS on glaucoma medication compliance was assessed. RESULTS: The most frequently found number of days of missing medication per month was one to four (43.4%). The most common reason for missing medication was forgetfulness (80.5%), followed by busy daily schedule (18.4%) and complications of medication (1.1%). Compliance score ranged from 10.0 to 100.0 (median value, 90.0). Older age, longer duration of treatment, higher knowledge about the glaucoma medication, and the presence of family support was significantly associated with a higher compliance score (p < 0.05). Sex, number and class of eye drops, and GSS did not significantly affect compliance score. CONCLUSIONS: Age, treatment duration, knowledge about the glaucoma medication, and familial support were affecting factors for glaucoma medication compliance. To enhance glaucoma medication compliance, these factors should be considered.