Personality Traits and Their Relation to Ocular Adverse Effects From Glaucoma Medications

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that can cause irreversible vision loss. Lowering intraocular pressure is the principal strategy used to reduce the risk of disease progression. Topical medications are commonly used as first-line or adjunctive treatment, either alone or in combination with laser or surgical therapy. Although effective, glaucoma medications may cause ocular adverse effects such as dryness, irritation, redness, allergic reactions, inflammation, eyelash growth, changes in iris or periocular skin pigmentation, and changes in the tissues surrounding the eye. These adverse effects may affect comfort, adherence to treatment, and the need to modify or discontinue therapy.

The type and severity of adverse effects vary considerably among individuals. This variability may be related to the medication used, its preservatives, the duration of treatment, patient characteristics, or differences in how symptoms are perceived and reported. Personality traits may influence a person's awareness, interpretation, reporting, and tolerance of medication-related symptoms. However, the possible relationship between personality traits and ocular adverse effects from glaucoma medications has not been well studied.

The primary objective of this observational study is to evaluate the relationship between personality traits and ocular adverse effects in adults who are currently being treated, or were previously treated, with one or more glaucoma medications. The study will examine whether particular personality traits are associated with the occurrence and severity of ocular adverse effects. It will also compare the personality profiles of participants who have experienced specified medication-related ocular adverse effects with those of participants who have not.

Personality will be assessed using a questionnaire based on the Five-Factor Model. This widely used model describes personality across five domains: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. The study will investigate whether scores in these domains are associated with the type, frequency, or severity of ocular adverse effects and with treatment changes made because of these effects.

Approximately 352 adults aged 18 years or older will be recruited. Eligible participants must have a diagnosis of glaucoma and must currently be using, or have previously used, at least one glaucoma medication. Individuals with serious anxiety or depression that was present before the initiation of glaucoma treatment will not be eligible, as these conditions may affect the assessment of personality traits or the reporting of medication-related symptoms.