Patterns of glaucoma medication use in urban and rural Victoria.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the present study was to describe patterns of glaucoma medication use among people who self-report a history of glaucoma in a population-based study of age-related eye disease.


METHODS
The present study was comprised of a population-based cluster stratified sample of 5000 Victorians aged 40 years and older. Participants completed an interview regarding demographic characteristics, medical history and use of medications. Participants also completed orthoptic and dilated fundus examinations, including measurement of intra-occular pressure (IOP) and visual fields. Glaucoma history and use of glaucoma medication was self reported. Glaucoma disease status was confirmed by a specialist consensus group.


RESULTS
The most common glaucoma medications used were beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents (63%), followed by sympathomimetics (18%) and cholinergic agents (16%). There were no differences in glaucoma medication use by gender, age, years since diagnosis, rural or urban residence or a history of glaucoma surgery. Among participants using medication, 16.1% exceeded 21 mmHg IOP.


CONCLUSIONS
The high prevalence of the use of beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent medication reflects the shift from the use of pilocarpine over the past 20 years. The prevalence of IOP greater than 21 mmHg highlights the difficulty in managing high IOP.
Weih
L M
LM
Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia. leann@iris.medoph.unimelb.edu.au
Van Newkirk
M
M
McCarty
C A
CA
Taylor
H R
HR
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018678:Cholinergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D018678:Cholinergic Agents; D013566:Sympathomimetics