New digital device shows promise in monitoring glaucoma medication adherence

A new digital tool designed to track patients’ medication usage, paired with a mobile health app, was well-received by patients with glaucoma and effectively monitored medication adherence over a 9-week period, according to a study. However, further validation is required before it can be used in larger efficacy trials.

This single-center, single-arm study included 31 adults taking a timolol/dorzolamide combination. Patients utilized a Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) and app to monitor their daily medication intake over a 9-week period.

At the end of the study, patient satisfaction and device usability were evaluated. Results showed that 74.1% of participants were satisfied with the MEMS, and 70.4% found it easy to use. However, only 59.2% felt the app provided helpful reminders.

Overall, 70.4% of participants maintained an adherence rate of 80% or higher, though 40.7% had difficulty changing the bottle as required. No adverse events were reported.

The study concluded that the CONNECTDROP device shows promise for monitoring glaucoma medication adherence, but further validation is needed before an efficacy trial.

Reference
Dériot JB, Albertini E. Is CONNECTDROP®, a Medication Event Monitoring System Add-On Paired with a Smartphone Application, Acceptable to Patients with Glaucoma for Taking Their Daily Medication? The CONDORE Pilot Study. Ophthalmol Sci. 2024;4(6):100541. doi: 10.1016/j.xops.2024.100541. PMID: 39310045; PMCID: PMC11416277.