Adherence to Topical Medication in Patients with Inflammatory Eye Disease.

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.