Compliance and viewpoint of glaucoma patients in Greece.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-compliance is a significant limiting factor in glaucoma therapy in Greece.
Konstas
A G
AG
Department of Ophthalmology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. konstas@med.auth.gr
Maskaleris
G
G
Gratsonidis
S
S
Sardelli
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012646:Self Administration / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016312:Treatment Refusal
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions