Factors Influencing Glaucoma Treatment Adherence

Abstract

Despite the availability of effective medical therapies, poor adherence to glaucoma medications is a significant challenge in the management of the disease. The basis for non-adherence is probably a complex interplay of many potential causes that can vary between different patient populations. Studies vary in the way adherence is measured, in the root causes of non-adherence, and in the possible ways to improve it. However, the overarching commonalities of these studies is the underlying reality that poor adherence is a major problem affecting the quality of glaucoma care. Awareness and detection of non-adherence by clinicians is also problematic. Adherence is often inaccurately thought of as a responsibility that rests entirely with the patient. However, identifying potential barriers to adherence, and implementing techniques and strategies to overcome these barriers, can begin to set the stage for improvement.