Communication key to understanding glaucoma patients' reasons for noncompliance with medication

BOSTON — While the main reason cited by glaucoma patients for noncompliance is "forgetting to use drops," the true reason could be dislike for taking the medications, a fact that physicians should be aware of when addressing compliance, a glaucoma expert said here.

David S. Friedman

"Is forgetting a barrier? I don't think so. I think forgetting is an excuse. It's a socially acceptable lie. 'I didn't not take them because I didn't want to take them, I forgot.' And so I think that's what patients are telling us a lot of time when they say, 'I forget to take my drops,'" David S. Friedman, MD, MPH, said at the World Glaucoma Congress at a symposium supported by an educational grant from Pfizer.

He said communication between the physician and patient is key to addressing patient noncompliance. He and colleagues conducted a study examining reasons for noncompliance and found that 40% of patients cited forgetfulness for non-adherence.

About 16% of patients were concerned about side effects; 16% ran out of drops; 11% stopped taking drops during travel; 9% did not take drops away from home; 8% did not use drops correctly; and 8% were concerned about their eyes' appearance, according to the study.