The Preservative Freedom Coalition, a coalition of eye health stakeholders dedicated to raising awareness of ocular surface disease, released the findings of its latest nationwide survey, shedding light on the experiences and concerns of glaucoma patients. The Preservative Freedom Glaucoma Patient Experience Survey underscores the urgent need for improved communication between patients and healthcare providers, particularly regarding the use of preservatives in eye treatments. As part of World Glaucoma Week, the Coalition is calling for more discussions about preservative-free alternatives to better support glaucoma patients.
The survey, which collected responses from 558 individuals diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, revealed several critical insights:
1. Glaucoma Patients Express Concerns About Their Treatment:
- Only 20% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their current treatment.
- Approximately 33% of respondents admitted to either skipping doses, stopping treatment, or requesting a change in their medication due to adverse effects.
- Many patients voiced concerns about the toxicity of preservatives (60%) and the progression of their disease (39%), highlighting a potential openness to alternative treatment options.
2. Lack of Awareness Around Preservative-Free Alternatives:
- Nearly 61% of participants were unaware of preservative-free treatment options.
- Despite this, 62% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms such as gritty eyes and discomfort, which are often linked to preservatives in eye drops.
3. Trust in Healthcare Providers and the Need for Dialogue:
- While 82% of patients expressed strong trust in their physicians, almost half (49%) of those not using preservative-free alternatives indicated that their doctors did not suggest them.
- The survey also identified key points in the disease journey (1-3 years and 10-20 years) where patients are more likely to consider alternative treatments, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue between patients and healthcare providers.
Elena Sturman, President and CEO of The Glaucoma Foundation, and founding member of the Coalition, stressed the importance of educating patients about preservative-free treatment options. “The majority of glaucoma patients were unaware of their preservative-free alternatives, despite their availability on the market,” she said. “This highlights the need for more discussions with patients to empower them to take control of their ocular health.”
Ophthalmologist Dr. Monique Barbour, a founding member of the Coalition, echoed Sturman’s sentiments, emphasizing the vital role of communication in patient care. “With over 60% of patients unaware of preservative-free options and many reporting discomfort, it’s crucial for eye care professionals to educate their patients about these treatment alternatives.”
Despite growing awareness about the negative effects of preservatives in glaucoma treatments, many eye drop formulations still contain preservatives that can cause inflammation and long-term damage to the ocular surface. Prolonged use of preserved eye drops is known to lead to chronic damage, complicate surgeries, and cause patients to skip doses, increasing the risk of disease progression.
Optometrist Dr. Jacob Lang, another founding member of the Coalition, highlighted the importance of considering long-term patient needs. “Integrating preservative-free treatments can help reduce side effects, promote long-lasting eye health, and advance patient care,” he said.
The Preservative Freedom Glaucoma Patient Experience Survey was conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the treatment histories and awareness of glaucoma patients, specifically those with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Respondents were surveyed online from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The survey results revealed that over half of the respondents had been living with glaucoma for more than seven years, with most in the early or moderate stages of the disease.
The Preservative Freedom Coalition encourages both healthcare professionals and patients to prioritize ongoing conversations about preservative-free options in eye care.
About the Preservative Freedom Coalition
The Preservative Freedom Coalition is made up of leaders in eye health, including Dry Eye University, The Glaucoma Foundation, Intrepid Eye Society, the National Medical Association of Ophthalmology Section, Real World Ophthalmology, and Théa Pharma Inc. The coalition is dedicated to raising awareness about the potential benefits of preservative-free treatments for ocular surface disease.
About Théa
Théa is a global leader in eye care, headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, with a focus on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative eye-care products. Théa operates in over 75 countries and generated approximately $965 million in global revenues in 2023.
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