Prevalence of visual loss and compliance to the management plan of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients (hospital-based study)

Abstract

Background Glaucoma treatment seeks to improve the patient’s health and quality of life by maintaining visual function without producing unwanted side effects. Currently, the only known and treatable risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is decreased intraocular pressure. Numerous studies have shown that treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension with ocular hypotensive medications slows the onset of POAG or the progression of visual field loss. Aims The purpose of this study was to determine how much visual impairment from glaucoma correlated with how well POAG patients adhere to their care plan. Patients and methods From January 2018 to December 2019, 200 Egyptians with POAG were selected for this cross-sectional study from Tanta University’s glaucoma outpatient clinic. Results High education, regular follow-up visits, fewer prescription adverse effects, ease of medication use, good visual status, and favorable perception of their vision were all characteristics in univariate analysis that significantly improved adherence levels. Only low education levels, higher difficulty using glaucoma drops, and increased adverse drug reactions were statistically significant predictors of poor adherence to glaucoma treatment in multivariate analysis. Age, sex, visual acuity, the number of glaucoma drops used, the length of therapy, financial support, and glaucoma control did not have a statistically significant prognostic value for low compliance. Conclusion This study showed that noncompliance is mostly a multifaceted issue among Egyptian glaucoma patients.