Glaucoma Patients in the Dark on Preservative-Free Treatments

The Preservative Freedom Coalition – comprising members from Dry Eye University, The Glaucoma Foundation, Intrepid Eye Society, the National Medical Association of Ophthalmology Section, Real World Ophthalmology, and Thea Pharma Inc. – has announced the results of a US survey looking at the experience of glaucoma patients.

A total of 558 responses were received from individuals diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension across the United States. More than half of respondents had been living with their condition for seven years or more, with the majority (>75 percent) indicating early/mild or moderate stages as described by their physician.

The survey revealed:

• Only one in five respondents were satisfied with their current treatment.

• Patients expressed concerns about the toxicity of preservatives (60 percent) and disease progression (39 percent), indicating there may be an openness to discussing new treatment options.

• Almost two-thirds (61 percent) of patients reported they were unaware of preservative-free treatment alternatives.

• While most patients (82 percent) expressed significant trust in their physicians, nearly half (49 percent) of those not using preservative-free options reported a lack of recommendations from their doctors

"The most surprising revelation […] was that the majority of patients with glaucoma were not aware of their preservative-free options, despite their availability on the market,” said Elena Sturman, President and CEO of The Glaucoma Foundation. “This is crucial because it reinforces the importance of having these conversations with patients and empowering them to take control of their ocular health, potentially mitigating side effects."

The Preservative Freedom Coalition conducted the Glaucoma Patient Experience survey to gather insights from adults 18 years or older living with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The aim of the survey was to understand their experience, treatment histories, and awareness of preservative-free treatment options.

For more information about The Preservative Freedom Coalition, visit: www.preservativefreedom.com.