Self-Monitoring Symptoms in Glaucoma: A Feasibility Study of a Web-Based Diary Tool

Abstract EN

Purpose.

Glaucoma patients annually spend only a few hours in an eye clinic but spend more than 5000 waking hours engaged in everything else.

We propose that patients could self-monitor changes in visual symptoms providing valuable between clinic information; we test the hypothesis that this is feasible using a web-based diary tool.

Methods.

Ten glaucoma patients with a range of visual field loss took part in an eight-week pilot study.

After completing a series of baseline tests, volunteers were prompted to monitor symptoms every three days and complete a diary about their vision during daily life using a bespoke web-based diary tool.

Response to an end of a study questionnaire about the usefulness of the exercise was a main outcome measure.

Results.

Eight of the 10 patients rated the monitoring scheme to be “valuable” or “very valuable.” Completion rate to items was excellent (96%).

Themes from a qualitative synthesis of the diary entries related to behavioural aspects of glaucoma.

One patient concluded that a constant focus on monitoring symptoms led to negative feelings.

Conclusions.

A web-based diary tool for monitoring self-reported glaucoma symptoms is practically feasible.

The tool must be carefully designed to ensure participants are benefitting, and it is not increasing anxiety.