Highlighting Benefits for Patients Can Help Maintain Adherence for Retinal Treatments: Anton M. Kolomeyer, MD, PhD

Anton M. Kolomeyer, MD, PhD, a retina specialist at NJRetina, spoke with The American Journal of Managed Care^® about treatment options in the pipeline for patients with retinal conditions as well as ways to encourage adherence to current treatments, such as anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, that can improve symptoms.

When it comes to treatments in the pipeline, Kolomeyer noted that the pipeline is rich for ophthalmology and retina, most notably in the last 20 years, where many injections have been approved for use in treatment. However, he said, “There’s always the question of durability, so we’re always looking for agents.”

Both intravitreal injections and surgical approaches are being looked into as potential alternatives for current treatment approaches. Surgical approaches, he said, would involve tricking the eye into producing its own medication. This type of intervention could be good for addressing treatment fatigue in patients who do not enjoy repeatedly coming in for injections.

Kolomeyer also discussed ways that adherence can be improved in patients receiving anti-VEGF treatments. His approach, he said, is to invite everyone who comes with the patient during their treatment to discuss how well the patient is doing with the treatment and show them measurable improvements. This can entail demonstrating how swelling has decreased or even showing improvements in vision, if applicable.

Kolomeyer also said that doctors can highlight activities that a patient has been able to keep doing now that they are being treated consistently, including driving, reading, or doing tasks that require sharp vision.

“I think I just try to sort of apply it to their everyday life and try to highlight what we're doing and why and what benefit they may be receiving from whatever treatment that we're applying,” said Kolomeyer.

Overall, new treatments should help to improve treatment adherence with new options that reduce treatment fatigue. Until the treatments in the pipeline arrive, encouraging patients through highlighting areas of improvement is key in keeping patients adherent.