Purpose: We investigated patients' attitudes and perceptions toward a subconjunctival implant as a novel ocular drug delivery method for glaucoma.
Methods: We recruited 344 Chinese patients with primary open angle or angle closure glaucoma currently on topical antiglaucoma medication for a minimum of six months from specialist glaucoma clinics. Sociodemographic data, and information about patients' general and ocular health were collected. Beliefs about medicines, glaucoma, eye drops, and self-reported adherence were assessed by trained interviewers using validated questionnaires. A description about the implant was provided and patients subsequently were assessed on their understanding and acceptance.
Results: Of the 344 Chinese patients enrolled, 216 (62.8%) would accept the implant as a replacement for their current eye drops. Of those who accepted the implant, 99 (45.8%) were willing to accept it at similar costs, while 40 (18.5%) and 20 (9.3%) patients were willing to pay 1.5 and 2 times the cost of their present medication, respectively. Patients who accepted the implant had more severe glaucoma (P = 0.015) and felt that the implant was more helpful than eye drops (P < 0.001). Beliefs toward medicines, glaucoma, eye drops, self-reported adherence, and sociodemographic factors did not have a significant impact on the patients' decisions.
Conclusions: An ocular drug implant would be an acceptable alternative to topical eye drops for subgroups of glaucoma patients.