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For people living with glaucoma, protecting vision is often less about dramatic interventions and more about quiet consistency. Daily eye drops, taken as prescribed, can be one of the most effective ways to slow the progression of the disease. Yet for many, sticking to this routine isn’t always straightforward.
“Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, and treatment only works if it’s used consistently and as prescribed,” says Valerie Tosswill, orthoptist from Glaucoma Australia. “Even missing doses occasionally can impact long-term outcomes.”
Despite this, research and clinical experience show that medication adherence is one of the biggest challenges in glaucoma management, with only 6 in 10 patients using their eye drops as prescribed1. Patients may miss doses for many reasons: busy routines, misunderstanding, isolation, forgetfulness, miscommunication, difficulties with drop administration, side effects, or simply not experiencing immediate symptoms that reinforce the need for treatment.
Valerie explains “Glaucoma is often called the ‘silent thief of sight’ because patients don’t notice vision loss until it’s advanced. That can make it harder to stay motivated with treatment, as people don’t feel the immediate consequences of missing their drops, nor are they aware of their slow peripheral vision loss.”
Practical barriers can also play a role. Some patients find eye drops physically difficult to administer, particularly if they have limited dexterity. Others may struggle to maintain consistent timing, especially when managing multiple medications or balancing other health conditions.
The good news is that there are ways to make adherence easier and simple strategies can make a meaningful difference. Setting daily reminders, linking eye drops to an existing routine (such as brushing your teeth), or using medication tracking tools can help reinforce habits. For those who find drops difficult, techniques and assistive devices are available, and discussing these with a healthcare professional can be valuable.
Additionally, being engaged with support services specifically for glaucoma, such as Glaucoma Australia, provides access to a library of information, education, and practical suggestions for improving treatment adherence. Glaucoma Australia’s SiGHTWiSE is a perfect example of patient support, with 82% of supported patients using their drops as prescribed, 92% attending their glaucoma appointments, a demonstrated increase in knowledge and understanding of their disease and status, and a clear reduction in the anxiety that often accompanies a diagnosis of glaucoma.
Alongside the ophthalmologist and optometrist, Pharmacists can also play a key role. As one of the most accessible healthcare providers, they are well placed to support glaucoma patients on an ongoing basis.
“Pharmacists can help patients understand how and when to use their medications, check for potential side effects, and offer practical tips for administering drops,” Pharmacist Ken from Melbourne says. “The ongoing relationship can make a meaningful difference in helping patients stay on track”
For patients like Mike, who was diagnosed with glaucoma earlier this year, the Medadvisor app which is linked to his community pharmacy has also made a big impact. “I get reminders when it’s time to fill a script, and when I need to see my doctor for a new script. It’s helped me stay consistent not just with my eye drops, but my other pills too.” The Medadvisor app is free to download and linked to most pharmacies across Australia.
“I also discovered the SiGHTWISE program through the Medadvisor app and registered immediately. The team at Glaucoma Australia have been incredibly supportive and helped me feel more confident in managing my glaucoma” says Mike. “I’d encourage anyone with glaucoma to make use of the Medadvisor app and the support available through SiGHTWISE.”
Ultimately, managing glaucoma is a shared effort between patients and their care teams. With the right support and strategies in place, staying on track with medication becomes more achievable and that consistency can play a powerful role in protecting sight and everyday life for the long term.
- Zaharia, A.-C.; Dumitrescu, O.-M.; Radu, M.; Rogoz, R.-E. Adherence to Therapy in Glaucoma Treatment—A Review. J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12, 514.
This article has been republished courtesy of Medadvisor.
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