Noncompliance with glaucoma medication in Korean patients: a multicenter qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the common side effects of topical antiglaucoma medication, factors affecting compliance, and the utilization of herbal medicine for glaucoma treatment in South Korea.


METHODS
A cross-sectional multicenter hospital-based study. In-depth interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted with 581 individuals diagnosed with glaucoma. Additional eligibility requirements were: all participants were diagnosed with glaucoma in one or both eyes and prescribed eye drops at least one month before the start of the study, and were in a suitable condition for an interview. The frequency of response for each category in the interview questionnaire was analyzed.


RESULTS
Conjunctival injection, a stinging sensation, and blurred vision were the most frequently reported side effects, among which blurred vision was the most unbearable. Patient knowledge of glaucoma was the only factor associated with the patient's self-evaluation of compliance. Forgetfulness was the most common reason for nonadherence. Only 2.9 % of patients were taking herbal medicine.


CONCLUSIONS
Physicians should address a patient's complaint of blurred vision resulting from medication. Complete initial explanation of the consequences of nonadherence and of the potential vision loss from glaucoma are critical elements in improving patient adherence in Asian populations.
Department of Ophthalmology, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, #62 Yeouido-dong, Yeoungdeungpo-gu, Seoul 150-713, Korea.
Myoung Hee
MH
Park
Kyu-Dong
KD
Kang
Jungil
J
Moon
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011379:Prognosis; D056910:Republic of Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions