Readability of ocular medication inserts.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the readability of ocular medication inserts and whether they are an appropriate source of medication information for patients.


METHODS
The Flesch-Kincaid and SMOG readability formulas were used to calculate the readability of 10 common glaucoma medication inserts (Alphagan, Azopt, Betoptic, Betimolol, Cosopt, Optipranolol, Rescula, Trusopt, Timoptic, and Xalatan) and 6 widely used nonglaucoma medication inserts (Alrex, Lotemax, Ocuflox, Patanol, Pred Forte, and Zaditor).


RESULTS
The 10 glaucoma medication inserts surveyed required an average overall grade level of 12.9 +/- 0.6 by the Flesch-Kincaid Index and of 13.5 +/- 0.6 by the SMOG formula. The 6 nonglaucoma medication inserts had an overall grade level of 11.1 +/- 0.6 by the Flesch-Kincaid Index and of 11.7 +/- 0.9 by the SMOG formula. All medications reviewed were above the eighth-grade level recommended by the Flesch-Kincaid Index for public materials.


CONCLUSIONS
Ocular medication inserts are too complex to be an adequate source of medication information for the average American adult. This study highlights the need for improving communication and education regarding patients' medications.
Khurana
Rahul N
RN
Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Univeristy Medical Center, Durham, Norht Carolina 27712, USA.
Lee
Paul P
PP
Challa
Pratap
P
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000592:standards*; D032882:Comprehension; D004348:Drug Labeling / Q000592:standards*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000592:standards*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D011932:Reading; D013664:Teaching Materials / Q000592:standards
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions