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ABSTRACT
Purpose: To evaluate adherence to topical medication in patients with inflammatory eye disease.
Methods: Questionnaire survey of patients attending inflammatory eye disease clinics. Treatment regimen was validated against hospital-generated clinic letters.
Results: There were 86 patients (52 uveitis and 34 ocular surface disease) with 30% (26/86) failing to identify one or more of the medications they were using, and 28% (24/86) unable to offer the correct indication for their treatment. A total of 64% (55/86) failed to use their medication as advised (27% on a daily basis); the commonest reason being forgetfulness. In patients using multiple eye drops, 26% left insufficient time intervals between successive eye drops, and 58% (50/86) reported not being given any instruction on drop instillation.
Conclusions: We highlight poor adherence to topical medication in patients with inflammatory eye disease. We recommend a dedicated practitioner providing a proactive approach to patient education to improve adherence.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.