Glaucoma among patients enrolled in a national vision care plan

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of impaired vision and blindness in the United States. An understanding of the disease process and its risk factors by patients is essential if its consequences are to be mitigated. Among the known risk factors, family history is one that can help promote awareness for early recognition and treatment among potential patients. This study reports on the responses to a questionnaire by glaucoma patients on their use of vision care, their understanding of their disease, and whether they shared their medical history with other family members. METHODS: A survey was mailed to members of a national vision care benefits plan who received an eye examination with a diagnosis of glaucoma. Patients were identified by diagnosis through the managed care organization's management information system. A survey instrument was designed to determine family history, use of vision care, medications used, and basic knowledge of glaucoma. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight surveys were returned; two thirds were from glaucoma patients and one third from glaucoma suspects. The frequency of eye examinations and the reason for their most recent examination differed between the 2 groups. Most glaucoma patients informed relatives of their condition. As expected, glaucoma patients were better educated than the glaucoma suspect group; however, knowledge of the disease process and its consequences was lacking even among those who were taking glaucoma medication. CONCLUSIONS: Some glaucoma patients appear to be unaware as to how glaucoma affects their vision. Understanding one's disease can enhance patient compliance and ensure that the patient returns for continued treatment and management. Patients with poor health literacy (especially with a disease with an asymptomatic beginning stage) are at a higher risk for noncompliance. Optometry 2010;81:663-670