Assessment of Topical Drug Instillation Techniques among Glaucoma Patients in a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Topical ocular pharmacotherapy is usually the first line of therapy to treat elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).1,2 Multiple factors can influence adherence to medications. An important factor that is often overlooked is the method of eye drop instillation. This study assessed the method of eye drop instillation among patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in a tertiary 
hospital.

Materials and Methods: Forty -three patients with POAG were recruited during the World Glaucoma Week celebration for this nonrandomized interventional study. Participants completed a semi-structured questionnaire and were instructed to instill an artificial tear eyedrop just as they would instill their topical glaucoma medications at home. Participants were uniformly
educated on proper drug instillation by an ophthalmologist and thereafter had a post-test to re-assess their instillation techniques. Parameters assessed were as follows: time (in seconds) taken to instill medication, delivery of eyedrops into conjunctival cul-de-sac, closure of eyes after drug instillation as well as observing tear duct occlusion.

Results: Forty-three participants diagnosed with POAG and on pressure lowering medications were interviewed. The age range was 18- 83years with a mean age of 55 ± 15.3years. Majority of the participants were males 31 (72%) (Table 1). Eighteen (41.9)% had been on medical treatment for POAG for more than nine years.