High patient satisfaction for ocular hypotensives

Glaucoma and ocular hypotension patients are highly satisfied with ocular hypotensives, claims a recent investigation.

A prospective, observational, cohort study, led by Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, New Zealand, included 2541 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypotension. The Treatment Impact Patient Satisfaction Scale (TIPSS) was mailed to all patients during a three-month study period.

The questionnaire evaluated patient demographics topical ocular hypotensive use, number of medications used, frequency of administration, ease of use, class of medication, presence/severity of side effects, impact on quality of life and patient satisfaction. The main outcome measure was patient satisfaction and this was determined via univariate and multivariate analyses.

Of the patients who responded to the questionnaire, almost 80% claimed they were either 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with topical ocular hypotensives. Factors that affected patient satisfaction were identified as satisfaction with frequency of eye drop use, subjective convenience and ease of administration.

Overall, glaucoma and ocular hypotension patients are satisfied with topical ocular hypotensive medications. However, patient satisfaction could be further improved by focusing on medication convenience and ease of administration.

The abstract can be found in the latest issue of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.