Authors: Luxmi Singh, Akansha Sharma, Ashutosh Chaturvedi
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.
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