Keeping eyedrops in the kitchen linked to better adherence in glaucoma patients

Where patients with glaucoma store their eyedrops can impact how consistently they use them, according to a poster presented at AGS 2025. Storing eyedrops in the kitchen was associated with better adherence, possibly because it aligns with daily routines like mealtimes.

The study included 91 adults with glaucoma using at least 1 prescribed eyedrop. Adherence was measured over 7 days using Medication Events Monitoring System (MEMS) devices. The most common storage locations were the bedroom (42.9%), bathroom (24.2%), and kitchen (22%). Patients who stored their eyedrops in the kitchen had the highest adherence rate (99.79%), significantly higher than those who stored them in the bedroom (91.28%). However, factors such as lighting and clutter did not significantly impact adherence.

The researchers concluded that “Optimizing eyedrop storage locations may improve eyedrop medication adherence in glaucoma patients, with potential for interventions targeting storage habits at home.”

Reference
Chen X, et al. Environmental Modifiers of Glaucoma Eyedrop Medication Adherence. Poster presented at: American Glaucoma Society Annual Meeting; February 26–March 2, 2025; Washington, DC.