Eye drops prescription pattern in patients with glaucoma

Glaucoma is a major public health problem, being the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment worldwide. In most cases, glaucoma is associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) levels that are above those considered normal (IOP ≥ 21 mmHg). The aim of the present work is to describe the pattern of eye drops prescription in patients with glaucoma in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. A descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective documentary analysis, developed at the Eye Institute of Sergipe was performed. Of all glaucoma patients, 41.5% had a family history of the disease. Among the popular drugs, Latanoprost 0.005% is the most requested totaling 34% of prescriptions. In the Region 2, a significant association (c2= 48, 45; p<0.05) was observed between monotherapy and high IOP. The present study showed that the pattern of eye drops prescription was as recommended by the Brazilian Society of Glaucoma. Although, these medications were distributed freely, most patients with glaucoma have high IOP. Therefore, considering the importance of glaucoma as the second cause of blindness worldwide it is essential to carry out studies that evaluate the factors that influenced the effectiveness of eye drops use for treatment of glaucoma. Key words: Glaucoma, ophthalmic solutions, prescription drugs.