May 2008
Volume 49, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2008
Multi-Center Canadian Study of Compliance and Drop Administration in Glaucoma
Y. M. Buys; R. Kholdebarin; R. J. Campbell; Y. Jin; G. E. Trope; The Canadian Compliance Study Group
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Y. M. Buys
    University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Department of Ophthalmology,
  • R. Kholdebarin
    Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
  • R. J. Campbell
    Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
  • Y. Jin
    University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Department of Public Health Sciences,
  • G. E. Trope
    University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Department of Ophthalmology,
  • The Canadian Compliance Study Group
    University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  Y.M. Buys, Pfizer Canada, C; Alcon Canada, C; Merck Frosst Canada, C; Pfizer Canada, R; Alcon Canada, R; Allergan Inc, R; Merck Frosst Canada, R; R. Kholdebarin, None; R.J. Campbell, None; Y. Jin, None; G.E. Trope, Merck Frosst Canada, R; Allergan Inc., R; Pfizer Canada, R.
  • Footnotes
    Support  Glaucoma Research Society of Canada
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2008, Vol.49, 4976. doi:
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      Y. M. Buys, R. Kholdebarin, R. J. Campbell, Y. Jin, G. E. Trope, The Canadian Compliance Study Group; Multi-Center Canadian Study of Compliance and Drop Administration in Glaucoma. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2008;49(13):4976.

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Abstract

Purpose: : Poor compliance with medication is a major concern in the management of glaucoma. Improper administration technique can lead to contamination and inaccurate dosing. This study estimates the prevalence and predictors of non-compliance and improper administration technique among Canadian glaucoma patients.

Methods: : Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. Non-compliance was defined as missing at least 1 drop of medication per week and/or inability to accurately describe the medication regimen. Drop administration technique was assessed by study personnel with patients applying eye drops. Patients were asked to indicate the most common reason for missing medication. Physicians provided information regarding the patient’s glaucoma including measures of disease stability. Predictors were assessed using odds ratio from logistic regression model.

Results: : 500 patients from 10 centers across Canada participated in the study. 25.6% reported missing at least 1 drop of medication per week. 4.2% were unable to accurately describe their medication regimen. Overall non-compliance was 27.9%. 33.8% demonstrated improper administration technique, 6.8% missed their eye and 28.8% contaminated the bottle tip. The most common reasons given for missing eye drops were "forgetfulness" and "being away from drops". Formal education limited to elementary school and duration of treatment <5 years increased patient reported non-compliance. Factors associated with improper administration technique were age 60 years and older, and formal education limited to elementary school.

Conclusions: : Over 50% of the patients surveyed were either non-compliant or demonstrated improper administration technique. Glaucoma patients should be educated on the importance of compliance and instructed on proper drop administration.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: health care delivery/economics/manpower • quality of life • intraocular pressure 
© 2008, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc., all rights reserved. Permission to republish any abstract or part of an abstract in any form must be obtained in writing from the ARVO Office prior to publication.
Copyright © 2025 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
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