Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To assess compliance with treatment in patients using once daily latanoprost or latanoprost combination glaucoma drop monotherapy. Methods: We interviewed 100 consecutive patients on a once daily glaucoma drop regime by the means of a structured questionnaire. Collected information included: visual acuities, glaucoma stage (A.G.I.S. based) and number of systemic medication used. The frequency of omitted doses of glaucoma drops and the main reasons for missing them was documented. The questionnaire also investigated the possible relationship of drop side effects and the patients’ knowledge of glaucoma with compliance. Results: Non–compliance was defined as one or more missed doses per month. Eighty–six per cent of the patients were found to be compliant with the prescribed treatment. The main cited reason for non–compliance was forgetfulness. A strong trend was found between the awareness of the importance of adherence to the treatment and compliance (p=0.0739). Side effects, glaucoma stage, visual acuity, age and gender were found to have no association with compliance (p>0.5). Conclusions: The use of once daily latanoprost or latanoprost combination glaucoma drop monotherapy is associated with very high levels of compliance with treatment .
Keywords: intraocular pressure