PURPOSE: To document the prevalence of non-compliance and to investigate patients' perceptions concerning glaucoma in a Greek cohort. METHODS: We investigated 100 consecutive patients referred to our glaucoma clinic and already treated for chronic glaucoma. Compliance and patients' insight were ascertained by two independent observers by means of a predetermined questionnaire. All patients were subsequently assessed for their ability to instil their eyedrops accurately. RESULTS: Fifty one per cent of our patients were not aware of the nature of glaucoma, but 80% were afraid it might lead to blindness. Clinically significant non-compliance (more than two doses missed per week) was established in 44% of our patients. Men and those using eyedrops more than 4 times a day were more likely to default. Non-compliant patients exhibited higher mean intraocular pressure (22.9 vs 18.5 mmHg; p > 0.001) and worse visual field loss (10.8 vs 7.0 dB; p = 0.008) compared with compliant patients. Involuntary non-compliance was also common in our group, with only 53% instilling their eye drops accurately. CONCLUSION: Non-compliance is a significant limiting factor in glaucoma therapy in Greece.
PURPOSE: To document the prevalence of non-compliance and to investigate patients' perceptions concerning glaucoma in a Greek cohort. METHODS: We investigated 100 consecutive patients referred to our glaucoma clinic and already treated for chronic glaucoma. Compliance and patients' insight were ascertained by two independent observers by means of a predetermined questionnaire. All patients were subsequently assessed for their ability to instil their eyedrops accurately. RESULTS: Fifty one per cent of our patients were not aware of the nature of glaucoma, but 80% were afraid it might lead to blindness. Clinically significant non-compliance (more than two doses missed per week) was established in 44% of our patients. Men and those using eyedrops more than 4 times a day were more likely to default. Non-compliant patients exhibited higher mean intraocular pressure (22.9 vs 18.5 mmHg; p > 0.001) and worse visual field loss (10.8 vs 7.0 dB; p = 0.008) compared with compliant patients. Involuntary non-compliance was also common in our group, with only 53% instilling their eye drops accurately. CONCLUSION: Non-compliance is a significant limiting factor in glaucoma therapy in Greece.
Authors: John Thygesen; Reinhard Burk; Roberto Carassa; Andrew Crichton; Francisco Javier Goñi; Mitch Menage; Stefano Miglior; Donald Montgomery; John-Philippe Nordmann; Tim Roberts; Kuldev Singh Journal: Curr Ther Res Clin Exp Date: 2007-05
Authors: P Renard; J L Kovalski; I Cochereau; S Jaulerry; W Williamson; P P Elena; M Lablache Combier; C Allaire; R Siou-Mermet Journal: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol Date: 2005-07-08 Impact factor: 3.117
Authors: Christine M G Olthoff; Juliette G M M Hoevenaars; Bart W van den Borne; Carroll A B Webers; Jan S A G Schouten Journal: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol Date: 2008-09-19 Impact factor: 3.117