Improving Compliance with Medical Treatment Using Eye Drop Aids

Abstract

Achieving optimal treatment outcomes in glaucoma requires patients to adhere to their medication regimens. Possible barriers to patients’ cooperation include the misunderstanding of a treatment’s importance or errors in applying instructions, forgetfulness, financial constraints and others. Due to the fact that glaucoma usually causes no apparent symptoms or pain, on the one hand, and the significant inconvenience that the eye drops used for glaucoma treatment can cause due to local irritation, on the other, patient compliance is a challenge. To address this challenge, we require strategies for improving adherence to glaucoma treatment. The importance of proper eye drop administration techniques cannot be overstated, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, the sick and the visually handicapped. Studies have shown that failure to comply with glaucoma treatment is a significant factor affecting disease progression, emphasizing the need for interventions that improve patient compliance. Educational interventions, medication reminders and the use of assistive devices such as eye drop aids have been shown to improve adherence to glaucoma treatment. By promoting strategies that can be used to enhance treatment adherence, healthcare providers can ensure that glaucoma patients receive the full benefits of their treatment plans, reducing the risk of disease progression. Many patients struggle with the complexity of their treatment regimens and the challenges of administering eye drops. This entry provides a comprehensive overview of the different barriers to patient adherence to glaucoma eye drop treatment, emphasizing the difficulties associated with eye drop instillation. This entry examines a range of eye drop aids available to patients, evaluating their modes of action, benefits, drawbacks and effectiveness in improving patient compliance. By providing detailed information on the barriers to adherence and the range of eye drop aids available, this entry aims to support healthcare providers in helping glaucoma patients to achieve better treatment adherence and outcomes.