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Socio demographic profile of glaucoma patients and barriers to treatment compliance

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Original Article

Author Details : Luxmi Singh*, Akansha Sharma, Ashutosh Chaturvedi

Volume : 6, Issue : 1, Year : 2020

Article Page : 17-21

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijceo.2020.006

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Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study is to assess the economic burden of long term glaucoma therapy on
chronic glaucoma patients with the objectives to inquire regarding socio-economic status of the glaucoma
patients; the number, cost and duration of use of glaucoma medications by these patients and compliance
to treatment.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at our tertiary care centre where
100 consecutive patients on medical therapy, following up at our glaucoma service for atleast 6 months
were recruited. The patients had been diagnosed as glaucoma, following slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus
examination using +90 D lens, applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, and perimetry (Humphrey Field
Analyzer).
Observations: A total of 55 (55%) patients were compliant to glaucoma medication. On evaluating the
association of compliance with different sociodemographic factors higher cost of medication (>Rs 1000),
Lower Middle/Lower socioeconomic status and Hindus were found to be significantly associated with low
compliance.
Conclusion: Simplification of the treatment regimen and tailoring it to the patient’s routine are a must.
Follow-up visit reminders with proper tracking of patients must be taken care of.

Keywords: Blindness, Compliance, Glaucoma.

How to cite : Singh L, Sharma A, Chaturvedi A, Socio demographic profile of glaucoma patients and barriers to treatment compliance. Indian J Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020;6(1):17-21

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