The Importance of Eye Drop Adherence in Glaucoma Treatments

Glaucoma is more than just an eye condition; it's a “silent thief of sight”. This insidious eye disease often strikes without warning, gradually damaging the optic nerve and leading to irreversible vision loss. 

This group of eye disorders can stealthily damage the optic nerve, essential for clear vision, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). As one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 60, understanding glaucoma is crucial for maintaining eye health. 

Currently, approximately 80 million people worldwide have glaucoma; in Australia, around 300,000 individuals are affected by the condition. However, roughly half of them were unaware of their diagnosis. 

Noteworthily, in Singapore, 10% of the population aged 70+ is affected by glaucoma; also, 34% of blindness cases in Singapore are caused by glaucoma.  

Glaucoma Eye Drop Treatment 

The most common treatment for glaucoma is prescription eye drops. These medications work by lowering the pressure within the eye and protecting the optic nerve from damage. While these eye drops cannot cure glaucoma or restore lost vision, they are effective in preventing glaucoma progression. 

Eye drops are effective only when compliant. If you stop using them, the eye pressure will increase again. Therefore, it is crucial to use them as prescribed; otherwise, the IOP will fluctuate. Some evidence suggests that fluctuations in IOP could be as harmful to the optic nerve as high IOP. 

So, it is crucially important for patients to deliver the eyedrops punctually as the doctor prescribes. 

Administration Difficulties in Eye Drop Treatment 

We all know how easy it is to let daily life derail our plans. Consider the added complexity for glaucoma patients who must meticulously follow an eye drop schedule. This constant attention to timing can be a significant burden. 

Vysum interviewed and surveyed over 200 glaucoma eye drop users, and we found that “Forgetfulness” is one of the difficulties patients have struggled with. 

While eye drops are crucial for preserving vision, glaucoma patients often use multiple eye drops, each with a designated administration schedule. 

Administering eye drops can be challenging for anyone, as it's easy to forget or miss a dose. For glaucoma patients, who must manage this routine every day, it can feel even more overwhelming and burdensome.

Vysum Eye Health Platform 

Vysum is committed to empowering glaucoma patients to protect their vision. We are developing a mobile app that will offer comprehensive support, including Reminders, Usage feedback, and Compliance data for clinicians upon patient consent, to the challenges of eye drop treatment management.  

References:

1. Robert N. Weinreb, MD. Glaucoma Worldwide: A Growing Concern - Glaucoma Research Foundation. Glaucoma Research Foundation. 2022. available at: https://glaucoma.org/articles/glaucoma-worldwide-a-growing-concern

2. Centre For Eye Research Australia. Glaucoma | CERA. CENTRE FOR EYE RESEARCH AUSTRALIA. 2020. available at: https://www.cera.org.au/conditions/glaucoma/

3. Asia Pacific Eye Centre (APEC). Glaucoma Specialist Singapore | Asia Pacific Eye Centre. Asia Pacific Eye Centre. 2024. available at: https://www.asiapacificeyecentre.com.sg/glaucoma/

4. National Eye Institute. Glaucoma | National Eye Institute. Nih.gov. 2019. available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma

5. Gail F. Schwartz, MD. Glaucoma Eye Drops Prevent Vision Loss — But Only If Patients Use Them - Glaucoma Research Foundation. Glaucoma Research Foundation. 2022. available at: https://glaucoma.org/articles/glaucoma-eye-drops-prevent-vision-loss-but-only-if-patients-use-them

6. Young H. Kwon John H. Fingert Emily C. Greenlee. A Patient’s Guide to Glaucoma. Eyeroundsorg. 2019; Chapter 12. Living with Glaucoma. available at: https://eyerounds.org/books/glaucoma_guide/chapter12.html#gsc.tab=0