First Author: K.Novak Laus CROATIA
Co Author(s): V. Lacmanovic Loncar R. Ivekovic F. Barisic I. Krolo Z. Mandic
Purpose:
To compare measurement of individual and subjective patient satisfaction with new antiglaucoma medication after switch from previous monotherapy to brinzolamide/timolol fixed combination (BTFC) with objective signs of ocular surface disease (OSD) ophthalmologist can test and measure objectively.
Setting:
Patients with primary open angle glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension, treated by antiglaucoma monotherapy (timolol, betaxolol, levobunolol, brimonidine, brinzolamide, dorzolamide) were switched to BTFC therapy because of insufficient intraocular pressure (IOP) control. Inclusion criteria: all adult patients who came in the practice in 2 months time for regular checkup of their glaucoma disease in one glaucoma center (December 2011 January 2012). Patients were not actively complaining for symptoms of OSD with previous medication and had no side effects (local or systemic) and had indication for switch to fixed combination. Patients were scheduled for the first control visit after 2 weeks and second control visit after 3 months.
Methods:
For patient satisfaction measurement we used Likert 5 point scale (1=very unsatisfied, 2=unsatisfied, 3=satisfied, 4=very satisfied, 5=fully satisfied) and modified SPEED questionaire (7 questions) for dry eye screening. Patients were asked to sign informed consent, and filled questionnaire about OSD symptoms and Likert scale at first visit and two control visits. All visits included IOP measurement , biomicroscopy examination, native (hyperemia CCLRU scale) and after fluorescein cornea and conjunctiva staining (NEI grid), and TBUT (sec). At each control visit compared were patients answers about OSD (Likert, SPEED) and clinical findings (hyperemia presence, fluorescein stainig, TBUT). Patients with side effects on new medication, patients not achieving target IOP and patients who needed aditional medication or other procedures were excluded at first and second control.
Results:
In majority of patients, change of median score was noted after switch to new medication in Likert scale of satisfaction in favour of BTFC. When evaluating objective parameters change, fluorescein corneal and conjunctival staining, TBUT & OSDI no significant difference was reported. Median IOP change was clinically and statistically significant.
Conclusions:
Follow up of 3 months was to short to report statistically and clinically significant change in objective signs of OSD. IOP control was achieved in majority of patients after switch to BTFC. More satisfied patients lead to better compliance and adherence to antiglaucoma therapy. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE?: No
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