Medication adherence in glaucoma: approaches for optimizing patient compliance.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize recent literature regarding medication adherence with a focus on the complexities inherent in glaucoma management.


RESULTS
Adherence to medications can be enhanced by undertaking the following strategies: enhanced patient education; improved dosing schedules; increased accessibility to healthcare (including longer hours, evening hours, and shorter wait times), and improved provider-patient relationships (e.g. increased trust). Patients may be less likely to forgo medication use due to cost pressures if the physician trust level is high. Recent studies suggest a role for baseline screening for adherence predictors and focused interventions in addressing modifiable risk factors for poor adherence (such as depression, stress, and lower education).


CONCLUSIONS
Many factors are associated with the lack of medication adherence in patients. The solution is likely to be multi-dimensional and employ combination strategy (must be individualized for the patient). Educational interventions involving patients, family members, or both can be effective in improving adherence.
Tsai
James C
JC
Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, USA.
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents