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Multicenter Study
. 2021 May;259(5):1253-1262.
doi: 10.1007/s00417-021-05091-6. Epub 2021 Feb 2.

A novel EyePhone© App for improving adherence to glaucoma therapy

Ari Leshno  1   2 , Dan Gaton  3   4   5 , Reut Singer  6   3 , Elior Eliasi  3 , Ofri Vorobichik-Berar  6 , Shiran Madgar  6 , Ori Stern  6   3 , Wasim Jaber  6   3 , Noa Kapelushnik  6   3 , Alon Skaat  6   3
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

A novel EyePhone© App for improving adherence to glaucoma therapy

Ari Leshno et al. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2021 May.

Abstract

Purpose: Despite advances in glaucoma treatment options, patient adherence and compliance remain very low. The EyePhone© App is a free non-commercial reminder application designed specifically for the needs of glaucoma patients. In this study, we evaluated its usefulness in improving adherence to medical treatment among glaucoma patients.

Methods: This is a prospective multicenter interventional study. Glaucoma patients were recruited from a tertiary center and a large community glaucoma service center. After a short explanation, the EyePhone© App was installed on their smartphone device, and the notifications for the current medical treatment were entered. After enrollment and at 1-month follow-up, subjects completed the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and the Quality of Life and Glaucoma 17-item (GlauQOL-17) questionnaires for evaluation of adherence and QOL, respectively.

Results: In the study, 133 patients (71 men and 62 women) aged 62±15.5 years and using 2.0±0.9 IOP-lowering drugs participated. The proportion of highly adherent subjects improved from 29.3% (39/133) at baseline to 42.1% (56/133) at follow-up (P < 0.001), and the proportion of poorly adherent subjects decreased from 29.3 (39/133) to 20.3% (27/133) at follow-up (P = 0.012). QOL also improved, as evidenced by a significant increase in the GlauQOL-17 score (P < 0.05). In a subgroup of patients for whom IOP measurements were available, IOP reduced by 0.92 mmHg (P = 0.069).

Conclusions: Significant improvements in glaucoma adherence and QOL were achieved among poorly adherent glaucoma patients after 1 month of using the EyePhone© App.

Keywords: Adherence; Application; Glaucoma; Quality of life; Smartphone.

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