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Alan L Robin

Publications and source records attributed to Alan L Robin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Patient-reported behavior and problems in using glaucoma medications.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the current study were to describe the different types of problems patients receiving adjunctive therapy reported having when taking their glaucoma medications and to examine the relationship between patient-reported problems in taking their glaucoma medications and patient adherence. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS: A survey was distributed to glaucoma patients in 4 geographically distinct ophthalmology practices. We excluded patients using only 1 glaucoma medication. The survey was completed by 324 patients. METHODS: For each patient, average percent adherence to his or her glaucoma medication regimen was calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine how patient characteristics and problems in using glaucoma medications were related to reported adherence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Whether patients were less than 100% adherent in the previous week. RESULTS: We found that 60% of patients reported 1 or more problems with taking their glaucoma medications. Fourteen percent of patients reported being less than 100% adherent to their glaucoma regimen medications during the previous week. Patients who had difficulty remembering to take their glaucoma medications and those who reported that they had other problems or concerns with their glaucoma medications were significantly less likely to be 100% adherent. CONCLUSIONS: Patient adherence to a glaucoma medication regimen could be improved among patients receiving adjunctive therapy. Ophthalmologists and their clinical colleagues should make sure to discuss the problems and concerns that patients may have in taking their glaucoma medications in an effort to improve adherence.

Adult↗

Adjunctive glaucoma therapy use associated with travoprost, bimatoprost, and latanoprost.

PURPOSE: This study contrasts the utilization of adjunctive medication associated with travoprost, bimatoprost, or latanoprost, as primary glaucoma therapies. METHODS: Patients in the Medco Health database who initiated prostaglandin analog therapy on travoprost, bimatoprost or latanoprost between January 1, 2002 and July 31, 2002 were selected if they had no prostaglandin analog use in the prior 6 months. Patients were also required to have 12 months of prostaglandin therapy subsequent to the initial prescription. Data were available through July 31, 2003. The t-test and chi-square were used where appropriate to calculate p-values and assess significant differences. RESULTS: A total of 13 171 benefit-eligible subjects were identified of which 8381 (64%), 2637 (20%), and 2153 (16%) patients were treated with latanoprost, bimatoprost, and travoprost, respectively. There were no significant differences in mean age or gender between the three study groups with the exception that latanoprost patients were statistically older than travoprost patients (69.0 vs. 68.0). This was not considered a clinically meaningful difference. Overall, patients using travoprost or bimatoprost had a significantly lower rate of adjunctive medication use compared to patients starting on latanoprost monotherapy (22.5%, 23.2%, and 30.2 %, respectively). Therefore, for every 14 patients treated with latanoprost instead of travoprost or bimatoprost, one additional patient would be expected to need adjunctive therapy with another agent. The difference between travoprost and bimatoprost patients was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The use of adjunctive medications to control intraocular pressure was significantly higher for latanoprost patients compared to travoprost and bimatoprost patients. This finding should be interpreted in the context that this study was based only on prescription claims data. It is important to simplify ophthalmic medical regimen as it is more cost effective, better for the patient, and minimizes the washout effect from administering two eye medications within 5 min. Decreasing the complexity of the patients' drug regimen may lead to increased adherence to prescribed therapy and a decreased risk of the incidence of blindness.

Aged↗

Travoprost versus latanoprost combinations in glaucoma: economic evaluation based on visual field deficit progression.

OBJECTIVE: Changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) are known to be related to visual field deficit progression, although multiple models of this relationship exist. In addition, visual functioning is known to affect medical costs. The objective of this study was to project visual field deficit progression and subsequent costs based on clinical trial data. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using data from a randomized, 12-month, double-masked study, we compared the use of a fixed combination of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% (T/T) versus a fixed combination of latanoprost 0.005%/timolol 0.5% (L/T) on visual field deficit progression and associated costs. We applied published algorithms linking IOP to visual field changes to calculate the likelihood of visual field deterioration by treatment group. Differences in medical care costs were estimated using guideline-recommended practice patterns, Medicare hospital costs, and published estimates of differences in hospitalization by visual functioning. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Increase in visual field deficit progression rates, increase in annual hospital days per subject, and increase in annual hospital, outpatient, and total costs per subject. RESULTS: Predicted visual field deficit progression for T/T patients was less than that for L/T patients (not statistically significant). Projected annual medical care costs were 43 dollars lower for T/T vs. L/T patients. CONCLUSIONS: By applying published algorithms linking IOP to visual field changes, this study projected long-term visual field deficit and associated costs. Use of a fixed travoprost/timolol solution may lead to less long-term visual field deficit progression and lower annual medical care costs than a fixed latanoprost/timolol solution. DISCUSSION: The use of clinical trial data may limit the applicability of these findings. However, this analysis of direct medical costs only is likely a conservative estimate of the costs associated with visual field deficits.

Adult↗

Does adjunctive glaucoma therapy affect adherence to the initial primary therapy?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of adding complexity to a glaucoma medical treatment regimen--specifically, what would occur to the refill rate (and, by inference, to adherence) when a second medication was added to a currently used once-daily drug. DESIGN: Open-label retrospective review of patient records. PARTICIPANTS: Patients of a large national health care provider who had received a prescription for latanoprost between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002. There were 1784 patients who had a second medication added and 3146 patients who remained on monotherapy. METHODS: For each patient, the mean number of days between refills was calculated for both the period before and that subsequent to the addition of the second medication, and an interperiod difference in refill interval between the 2 periods was calculated. Probability comparisons were performed using paired t tests (continuous) and Wilcoxon signed rank tests (categorical). RESULTS: The mean age of the population using second-line therapy was 68.3+/-14.5 years (range, 4-97), and 56% were female. In this population of 1784 patients who used 2 different ocular-hypotensive medications, mean refill intervals for latanoprost were 40.6+/-21.8 days before the addition of a second drug and 47.4+/-24.4 days after the addition of a second drug, with a mean increase of 6.7+/-25.6 days. For 22.9% (409/1784) of patients, the interval was increased by >2 weeks (P<0.0001). The mean refill interval was longer than that for the 3146 patients who continued on latanoprost monotherapy, which was 41+/-24 days. CONCLUSIONS: This statistically and clinically significant increase in refill intervals may affect intraocular pressure control. We suggest that, when adding a second drug, physicians need to consider the possible impact on the patient's adherence to the first drug.

Adolescent↗

Preferences for eye drop characteristics among glaucoma specialists: a willingness-to-pay analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the importance that US glaucoma specialists place on attributes of eye drops for lowering intraocular pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional survey by conducting a telephone interview with 113 members of the American Glaucoma Society. We administered a willingness-to-pay (WTP) instrument asking glaucoma specialists how much they would pay to obtain particular characteristics in an eye drop. Demographic data were correlated with the WTP responses. We compared the glaucoma specialists' responses to those previously obtained from patients. The main outcome measure was willingness-to-pay more (in US dollars). RESULTS: Almost all respondents were willing to pay extra to reduce the frequency of administration of eye drops from 3 times a day to once a day, and to avoid blurred vision, drowsiness, or inhibition of sexual performance. Only 54 (48%) were willing to pay more to avoid iris darkening. The mean amount that respondents were willing to pay (relative to US 50 dollars) differed significantly across eye drop characteristics (P < 0.001). The mean amount that the respondents were willing to pay was highest for avoidance of inhibition of sexual performance (US 105 dollars), blurred vision (US 92 dollars), and drowsiness (US 92 dollars). When compared with glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients, more ophthalmologists were likely to pay extra for desirable eye drop attributes. However, the magnitude of the extra amount was similar between ophthalmologists and patients. CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma specialists place differing value on various eye drop characteristics. Although the proportion of glaucoma specialists willing to pay more is generally greater than the proportion of patients, the preferences of glaucoma specialists and patients are alike.

Adult↗

Relationship between vision impairment and eye disease to vision-specific quality of life and function in rural India: the Aravind Comprehensive Eye Survey.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of vision impairment and eye diseases on vision-specific quality of life and visual function in an older population of rural southern India. METHODS: Presenting and best-corrected visual acuity and burden of eye diseases were determined in a population aged 40 years and older, identified through a random cluster sampling strategy from 50 villages of rural south India. A questionnaire validated previously for use in this population was used to ascertain quality of life and visual function. Visual acuity measurements were obtained with illiterate E Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts. Cataract was graded and defined based on the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III. Macular degeneration was defined based on the classification system proposed by the International ARM Epidemiologic Study Group. Glaucoma was defined based on results of clinical examinations including optic disc and visual fields. Analyses were performed to explore the relationship of overall and subscale quality-of-life and visual function scores with presenting acuity in the better-seeing eye, specific eye diseases, and demographic variables. RESULTS: Information on quality of life and visual function were available for 5119 (99.4%) of 5150 study subjects. The mean presenting visual acuity in the better eye was 0.76 +/- 0.53 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) units. Age, education, occupation, presenting acuity in the better eye, and presence of a cataract, glaucoma, or refractive error were independently associated with overall quality-of-life and vision function scores. After adjustment for demographic variables and ocular disease, persons with vision impairment or bilateral blindness based on presenting visual acuity had lower scores across all domains of quality of life and vision function. Scores for subscales of quality-of-life and vision function domains were significantly lower among those with age-related cataract and glaucoma compared with persons without those eye diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Presenting vision in the better eye was associated with quality of life and vision function in this older population of rural south India. Subjects with glaucoma and age-related cataract had an associated decrease in quality of life and vision function, independent of presenting visual acuity in the better eye.

Adult↗

Prevalence of vitreoretinal disorders in a rural population of southern India: the Aravind Comprehensive Eye Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the magnitude of vitreoretinal disorders in a rural southern Indian population. METHODS: Cluster sampling was used to identify individuals 40 years and older in Tamil Nadu in southern India. Demographic details, vision measurement and refraction using logMAR charts, anterior segment slitlamp examination, dilated posterior segment slitlamp examination using a 78-diopter (D) lens, and indirect ophthalmoscopy using a 20-D lens were performed. RESULTS: Complete retinal data were available for 4917 (95.5%) of the 5150 persons examined. The prevalence of any vitreoretinal disorder was 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.5%-11.3%). The population prevalence of bilateral blindness among persons with vitreoretinal disorders was 0.3% (95% CI, 0.2%-0.5%). The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 0.5% (95% CI, 0.3%-0.7%) in the general population and 10.5% (95% CI, 6.5%-14.5%) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Only 6.7% of individuals with diabetic retinopathy had previous ophthalmic examinations. The prevalences of early and late age-related macular degeneration were 2.7% (95% CI, 2.2%-3.2%) and 0.6% (95% CI, 0.4%-0.8%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Vitreoretinal diseases appear to be a major public health problem in India. Emphasis on diabetic screening, diabetic therapy, and appropriate laser therapy of diabetic retinopathy must be explored.

Adult↗

Ocular trauma in a rural south Indian population: the Aravind Comprehensive Eye Survey.

PURPOSE: To determine the rate of ocular trauma in a rural population of southern India and its impact on vision impairment and blindness. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study of 5150 persons 40 years or older in a randomly chosen rural population of 3 districts of southern India. Prospective information on trauma, type and agent of injury, setting of injury, and details of treatment sought for the last episode was recorded with questionnaires after face-to-face interviews. All interviewed subjects underwent a comprehensive ocular examination, including vision estimations, slit-lamp biomicroscopy examinations, and dilated posterior segment examinations. RESULTS: We elicited a history of ocular trauma in either eye from 229 (4.5%) persons, including 21 (0.4%) persons with bilateral ocular trauma. Blunt injuries (n = 124; 54.9%) were the major cause for trauma reported in this population. The most common setting where the ocular trauma occurred was during agricultural labor (n = 107; 46.9%). Nearly three quarters (n = 170; 74.2%) of those reporting ocular trauma sought treatment from an eye specialist (n = 104; 57.8%) and one fifth (n = 37; 20.6%) from a traditional healer. The age-adjusted (adjusted to the population estimates for India for the year 2000) prevalence for blindness in any eye caused by trauma was 0.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-1.1). The odds ratios (OR) for trauma were higher for males (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.6-3.0) and laborers (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4) and lower for literates (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5- 0.9). Seeking treatment from a traditional eye healer for trauma was not associated with vision impairment (OR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.3-3.2) or with blindness (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 0.2-56.5). CONCLUSIONS: Eye care programs may need to consider ocular trauma as a priority in this population, because the lifetime prevalence of ocular trauma is higher than that reported for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy from this population. Simple measures such as education regarding the use of protective eyewear could possibly significantly decrease this preventable cause of visual disability.

Adult↗

Female reproductive factors and eye disease in a rural South Indian population: the Aravind Comprehensive Eye Survey.

PURPOSE: To determine the potential associations of female reproductive factors with age-related cataract, open-angle glaucoma, macular degeneration, and myopia in an older population of rural south India. METHODS: This was a population-based, cross-sectional study of older adults in rural south India identified through a cluster sampling technique. Histories relating to female reproductive factors were ascertained through a questionnaire administered by trained workers. Detailed ocular examinations including automated perimetry were performed on all participants at a base hospital to arrive at a diagnosis of ocular morbidity. RESULTS: The study achieved a high response rate (93.0%), with examinations performed on 5150 of the eligible 5539 persons aged 40 years or more. Age at menarche was available for 2797 (98.6%) of the women and age at natural menopause for 1841 (98.0%) of 1878 women who were postmenopausal. The mean age at menarche was 14.8 +/- 1.8 years, and the mean age at menopause was 43.4 +/- 3.9 years. The mean duration of endogenous estrogen exposure was 28.4 +/- 4.3 years. The median number of pregnancies was 4 (mean, 4.3 +/- 2.6; range, 0-16). Older age at menarche (>or=14 years) was associated with reduced risk for age-related cataract and myopia, and greater risk for macular degeneration. Neither age at menopause nor duration of endogenous estrogen exposure was associated with any of the ocular diseases studied. Parity was not associated with any of the ocular diseases studied in a multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS: Female reproductive factors do not appear to influence age-related cataract, open-angle glaucoma, macular degeneration or myopia significantly in rural south India.

Adult↗

The utilization of eye care services by persons with glaucoma in rural south India.

PURPOSE: To determine utilization of eye care services, in particular those relating to glaucoma, in a rural population of southern India aged 40 years or older. METHODS: A total of 5,150 subjects aged 40 years or older selected through a random cluster sampling technique from three districts in southern India underwent detailed ocular examinations for vision impairment, blindness, and ocular morbidity. Information regarding previous use of eye care services was collected from this population through a questionnaire administered by trained social workers prior to ocular examinations. RESULTS: One thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven persons (35.5%) gave a history of prior eye examinations, primarily from a general hospital (n = 1,073, 58.7%). Increasing age and education were associated with increased utilization of eye care services. Among the 3,323 persons who had never sought eye care, 912 (27.4%) had felt the need to have an eye examination but did not do so. Only one third of persons with vision impairment, cataracts, refractive errors, and glaucoma had previously utilized services. Of the 64 subjects diagnosed as having primary open-angle glaucoma, 32 (50%) had previously seen an ophthalmologist, but none had had an eye examination within 1 year before the study. Only six (19%) of the 32 had been diagnosed as having glaucoma (9% of all subjects found to have glaucoma in the survey). Thirteen (20.3%) of the 64 subjects were blind in either eye due to glaucoma, including one person who was bilaterally blind. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of persons in a rural population of southern India who require eye care are currently not utilizing existing eye care services. Strategies to improve the uptake of services are required to reduce the burden of blindness due to glaucoma in southern India.

Adult↗

Patient preferences for eye drop characteristics: a willingness-to-pay analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the importance that patients place on the characteristics of topical therapy for lowering intraocular pressure. METHODS: We administered a willingness-to-pay instrument to 230 patients from 4 glaucoma subspecialty practices, asking them how much they would be willing to pay to obtain particular characteristics in an eye drop. Data about the subjects' demographics, economic status, attitudes toward eye drops and systemic medications, and symptoms from eye drops were correlated with their willingness to pay using 2-part models. RESULTS: Of our subjects, 169 (77%) were using eye drops to lower their intraocular pressure. Fatigue, blurred vision, and tearing were the most commonly reported symptoms. Eye drop medications most valued by the subjects did not produce blurring, drowsiness, or inhibition of sexual performance; 85% were willing to pay more for an eye drop that did not cause blurring, and on average they were willing to pay 40% more. Higher educational levels and income were generally associated with a willingness to pay more for eye drops with desirable attributes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Willingness to pay more (in dollars). CONCLUSIONS: Patient preferences for eye drop characteristics can be assessed using a willingness-to-pay instrument. Patients place differing value on various eye drop characteristics. A better understanding of patient preference could lead to better compliance.

Aged↗

Pseudoexfoliation in a rural population of southern India: the Aravind Comprehensive Eye Survey.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for pseudoexfoliation in a rural population of southern India. DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional study of pseudoexfoliation with and without glaucoma in rural southern India. METHOD: A total of 5,150 subjects aged 40 years and older from 50 clusters representative of three southern districts of Tamil Nadu in southern India. RESULTS: All participants had a comprehensive eye examination at the base hospital, including visual acuity using logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) illiterate E charts and refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, gonioscopy, applanation tonometry, dilated fundus examinations, and automated central 24-2 full-threshold perimetry. Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) was diagnosed by the presence of typical white deposits on the anterior lens surface; additional sites included the cornea, iris, anterior vitreous face, posterior capsule, and intraocular lens in cataract-operated eyes and changes in the angle determined through gonioscopy, including increased pigmentation, PXF deposition, and PXF material within the angle. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of PXF was 6.0% (5.3, 6.6). The prevalence increased with age (P <.001) and was greater in males (P =.01). Of subjects with PXF, 25.7% remained bilaterally blind after best correction; 89.3% of this bilateral blindness was the result of cataracts. The prevalence of glaucoma among subjects with PXF was 7.5%; exfoliation was present in 26.7% of those identified as primary open-angle glaucoma. On multivariate analysis, increasing age and male gender were significantly associated with PXF. Pseudoexfoliation appears to be a relatively common disorder in older individuals in southern India. Ophthalmologists in India may wish to focus on the detection of PXF, especially considering the relatively large burden of cataracts in this population, the risks for operative complications related to PXF, and the fact that PXF may be used as a marker to aid in the detectection of glaucoma.

Adult↗

Glaucoma in a rural population of southern India: the Aravind comprehensive eye survey.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of glaucoma and risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma in a rural population of southern India. DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5150 subjects aged 40 years and older from 50 clusters representative of three southern districts of Tamil Nadu in southern India. METHODS: All participants had a comprehensive eye examination at the base hospital, including visual acuity using logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution illiterate E charts and refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, gonioscopy, applanation tonometry, dilated fundus examinations, and automated central 24-2 full-threshold perimetry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Definite primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) was defined as angles open on gonioscopy and glaucomatous optic disc changes with matching visual field defects, whereas ocular hypertension was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 21 mmHg without glaucomatous optic disc damage and visual field defects in the presence of an open angle. Manifest primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) was defined as glaucomatous optic disc damage or glaucomatous visual field defects with the anterior chamber angle partly or totally closed, appositional angle closure or synechiae in the angle, and absence of signs of secondary angle closure. Secondary glaucoma was defined as glaucomatous optic nerve damage and/or visual field abnormalities suggestive of glaucoma with ocular disorders that contribute to a secondary elevation in IOP. RESULTS: The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of any glaucoma was 2.6% (2.2, 3.0), of POAG it was 1.7% (1.3, 2.1), and if PACG it was 0.5% (0.3, 0.7), and secondary glaucoma excluding pseudoexfoliation was 0.3% (0.2,0.5). On multivariate analysis, increasing age, male gender, myopia greater than 1 diopter, and pseudoexfoliation were significantly associated with POAG. After best correction, 18 persons (20.9%) with POAG were blind in either eye because of glaucoma, including 6 who were bilaterally blind and an additional 12 persons with unilateral blindness because of glaucomatous optic neuropathy in that eye. Of those identified with POAG, 93.0% had not been previously diagnosed with POAG. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of glaucoma in this population is not lower than that reported for white populations elsewhere. A large proportion of those with POAG had not been previously diagnosed. One fifth of those with POAG had blindness in one or both eyes from glaucoma. Early detection of glaucoma in this population will reduce the burden of blindness in India.

Adult↗

Blindness and vision impairment in a rural south Indian population: the Aravind Comprehensive Eye Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of blindness and vision impairment in a rural population of southern India. DESIGN: A population-based cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 17200 subjects aged 6 years or older, including 5150 subjects aged 40 years or older from 50 clusters representative of three southern districts of Tamil Nadu in southern India. METHODS: All participants had preliminary screenings consisting of vision using a LogMAR illiterate E chart and anterior segment hand light examinations at the village level. Subjects aged 40 years or older were offered comprehensive eye examinations at the base hospital, including visual acuity using LogMAR illiterate E charts and refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, gonioscopy, applanation tonometry, dilated fundus examinations, and automated Humphrey central 24-2 full threshold perimetry; subjects younger than 40 years of age who had any signs or symptoms of ocular disease were also offered comparable examinations at the base hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual impairment was defined as best-corrected visual acuity <6/18, and blindness was defined using both Indian (<6/60) and World Health Organization (<3/60) definitions. RESULTS: Comprehensive examinations at the base hospital were performed on 5150 (96.5%) of 5337 persons 40 years of age or older. Among those 40 years of age and older, presenting visual acuity at the <3/60 level was present in 4.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8, 4.9) and 11.4% (95% CI: 10.6, 12.3) at the <6/60 level. After best correction, the corresponding figures were 1.0% (95% CI: 0.79, 1.2) and 2.1% (95% CI: 1.7, 2.5). Over 70% of subjects improved their vision by at least one line, and nearly a third by three lines after refraction. Age-related cataract was the most common potentially reversible blinding disorder (72.0%) among eyes presenting with blindness. CONCLUSIONS: Blindness and vision impairment remain major public health problems in India that need to be addressed. Cataracts and refractive errors remain the major reversible causes for the burden of vision impairment in this rural population.

Adolescent↗

Update on prostaglandin analogs.

Prostaglandin analogs are a novel class of intraocular-lowering medications used primarily for the treatment of glaucoma. These topical medications reduce intraocular pressure primarily by enhancing uveoscleral outflow. The recent literature has enhanced our understanding of the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of these agents and has allowed us to better understand the differences between the three commonly used once-daily medications.

Administration, Topical↗