Background:
Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness globally, results in progressive optic nerve damage and irreversible vision loss. In India, it accounts for a significant disease burden. Effective management requires lifelong adherence to prescribed medication regimens, yet nonadherence remains a substantial challenge.
Aim:
This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and adherence levels to antiglaucoma medication among patients with primary open angle glaucoma at KR Hospital's glaucoma clinic in Mysore.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted over three months, involving 60 glaucoma patients aged 35-70 years. Data were collected using a pre-validated questionnaire assessing drug awareness and adherence, supplemented by an eye drop instillation simulation. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.
Results:
The study revealed that 98.3% of patients were aware of their medication schedules, while only 53.3% could name their prescribed medications. Adherence to medication was high, with 61.6% scoring between 8-9 on a 9-point scale. However, 46.6% of patients did not continue their medication when feeling worse. The mean awareness score was 9.397 ± 2.495, and the mean adherence score was 7.51 ± 1.29. The eye drop simulation test showed that 75% of patients scored above the mean score of 7.5.
Conclusion:
The findings indicate strong adherence and awareness regarding medication schedules but highlight gaps in knowledge about medication names and duration of treatment. Improving patient education on these aspects and adverse drug reactions is crucial. Interventions to enhance eye drop instillation techniques are necessary to optimize treatment efficacy. Addressing these issues can lead to better management of glaucoma and reduce the associated disease burden.
Key words: Adherence, Awareness, Eye drop simulation, Glaucoma Clinic, Intraocular pressure, Primary open angle glaucoma
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