Efficacy and adherence to glaucoma treatment depending on eye drop application technique: A crossover randomized clinical trial.
Fernando Aguirre-Balsalobre, David P Piñero, María Consuelo Serra-Verdú et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized crossover trial compared patient education with a medical device for improving eye-drop use among 45 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma over 120 days. At the second assessment, mean right-eye intraocular pressure was lower with the device than with education (15.8 mmHg vs. 20.1 mmHg; p < 0.05), and the reduction persisted after crossover. Device users also more often reported improved adherence and demonstrated correct instillation technique. The findings suggest that a device may support better drop administration and IOP control than education alone, although the abstract notes possible influence from baseline differences.
Key findings
- At the second assessment, mean right-eye IOP was 15.8 mmHg with the device versus 20.1 mmHg with education (p < 0.05).
- Improved adherence was reported by 71.1% of device users, compared with 2.2% in the education group.
- Observer-rated correct instillation was 91% with the device versus 32% with education.
- More than one drop was instilled by 9% of device users versus 42% of the education group.
Why it matters
Correct administration and consistent use of glaucoma drops are relevant to achieving IOP control. This trial found that a device was associated with better observed technique, reported adherence, and IOP outcomes than education alone. These results highlight that practical support for instillation may address barriers that education by itself does not resolve.
What to keep in mind
The trial included 45 patients and lasted 120 days. The abstract notes that baseline differences may have influenced the education group's IOP trend.