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Adherence With Glaucoma Medications: Barriers to Success and Prospects for Improvement

  • Diagnosis and Monitoring of Glaucoma (J Kammer, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Ophthalmology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Patient adherence to prescribed medications is critical to prevent progression of glaucoma. This review summarizes recent literature about glaucoma treatment adherence including current strategies to aid in medication administration and opportunities for improvement.

Recent Findings

Multiple studies have identified poor medication adherence as a major contributor to disease progression in glaucoma. There have been a variety of proposed and investigated techniques to improve adherence including eye drop monitors and reminders, patient education programs, eye drop delivery aids, and alternative medication delivery systems.

Summary

Many approaches have shown promise in helping to improve medication adherence. A multifaceted and individualized patient treatment strategy is required to face this complex problem.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. OHSU Casey Eye Institute, Portland, OR, USA

    Michael J. Gale

  2. Legacy Devers Eye Institute, 1040 NW 22nd Avenue, Suite 200, Portland, OR, 97210, USA

    Robert M. Kinast, Facundo G. Sanchez & Steven L. Mansberger

  3. Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Portland, OR, USA

    Robert M. Kinast, Facundo G. Sanchez & Steven L. Mansberger

Authors
  1. Michael J. Gale
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  2. Robert M. Kinast
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  3. Facundo G. Sanchez
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  4. Steven L. Mansberger
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Steven L. Mansberger.

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Conflict of Interest

Michael J Gale: none.

Robert M Kinast: Universal Adherence (Co-owner); Bedo Solutions (Co-owner).

Facundo G Sanchez: none.

Steven L Mansberger: Universal Adherence (Co-owner); Allergan/Abbvie (Research); Thea (Consultant).

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Gale, M.J., Kinast, R.M., Sanchez, F.G. et al. Adherence With Glaucoma Medications: Barriers to Success and Prospects for Improvement. Curr Ophthalmol Rep 9, 184–189 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-021-00273-1

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