DR. RUPA GUPTA

Dr. SUMITA MOHAPATRA

Abstract

Aim-To analyse factors affecting compliance of topical antiglaucoma medications during the 2nd wave of covid-19 pandemic and its effect on glaucoma progression. Methods-Cross-sectional hospital-based study from Dec21- Jun22 included diagnosed cases of glaucoma on topical medications. Patients were interviewed with validated questionnaire and evaluated for BCVA, IOP, RNFL & VF changes. Newly diagnosed glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, history of glaucoma surgery, patients who were non-compliant before 2nd wave of covid were excluded. Results-Out of 220 pts(M:F= 3:2), 59.09% found noncompliant. Raised IOP(80.76%), RNFL thinning(24.61%),decreased VFI(12.30%) than pre-covid time were found. Financial difficulties(29.23%), unavailability of transport(20.76%) & longer distance to hospital(24.61%) were significant factors(p<0.005) for non-compliance. Conclusion-A high proportion of non-compliance to anti-glaucoma therapy was seen in patients during pandemic leading to glaucoma progression.

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