The Preservative Freedom Coalition announced the results of a new nationwide survey delving into the experience of glaucoma patients. Results of the Preservative Freedom Glaucoma Patient Experience survey underscore the critical need for improved dialogue between glaucoma patients and their eyecare providers, specifically around preservatives and their eye health, the coalition said in a press release. This World Glaucoma Week, the Preservative Freedom Coalition are encouraging both eyecare professionals and patients to engage in greater discussion around preservatives to support the many who could benefit from preservative-free options.
The survey of 558 people diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension revealed:
Glaucoma patients express significant concern about their treatments and the future of their eye health
- Only 1 in 5 respondents stated that they are satisfied with their current treatment
- Approximately one-third (33%) of respondents reported stopping, skipping or requesting a change to medication due to undesirable impacts or negative effects
- Patients expressed concerns about the toxicity of preservatives (60%) and disease progression (39%), indicating there may be an openness to discussing new treatment options
Conversation around preservative-free options is critical
- Almost two-thirds (61%) of patients reported they were unaware of preservative-free alternatives for treatment
- Despite this, 62% reported they experience symptoms like gritty eyes and discomfort which can be often associated with the use of preservatives
Patients trust their eye doctors and rely on them for information on treatments
- While most patients (82%) expressed significant trust in their physicians, nearly half (49%) of those not using preservative-free options reported a lack of recommendations from their doctors
- Continuous dialogue throughout the treatment journey is vital to support patients during critical points in their diagnosis—patients reported an increase in treatment considerations 1-3 years and 10-20 years into their disease journey
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 coalition said in the press release. The aim of the survey was to understand their experience, treatment histories and awareness of preservative-free treatment options.
A total of 558 responses were received from individuals diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, across the 5 regions of the United States (West 19%, Northeast 25%, Southeast 25%, Midwest 18%, Southwest 13%). More than half of respondents had been living with their condition for 7 years or more, with the majority (>75%) indicating early/mild or moderate stages as described by their physician.
The data was collected via an online survey between November 21, 2024, and January 5, 2025, with respondents recruited from an online survey panel via a primary research recruitment agency (Cashew Research) and through The Glaucoma Foundation mailing list. The survey consisted of 23 questions and took approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Questions were presented as single selection, multiple choice, Likert scale and open field responses.