Patients more compliant with ocular therapeutic after education

SAN FRANCISCO - A repeat trial of previously noncompliant dry eye subjects found an overall clinical benefit in 80% of patients after receiving education about the treatment medication, according to a poster presented here at Academy 2010.

The multicenter, open-label, retrospective chart review evaluated the records of 35 patients who discontinued cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% after fewer than 12 weeks. Ninety-seven percent of patients received education through written material, discussion with office staff or the physician and through other means before beginning the second trial.

"People were taking Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05%, Allergan) and they really weren't expecting it to burn or sting so much," study author Amy C. Nau, OD, FAAO, told PRIMARY CARE OPTOMETRY NEWS. "When they were re-educated, they expected the initial discomfort and were more compliant with the therapy."

At the baseline visit, 24 patients were instilling approximately 11.1 artificial tear drops per day to be comfortable. By the final visit at 12 months, 23 patients were instilling approximately 5.3 artificial tear drops per day.

"Once patients understood [the efficacy details], they took the medicine and gave it time to work. In the end, the amount of artificial tears needed to keep themselves comfortable went down dramatically," Dr. Nau said.

This research was supported through a grant from Allergan.