Patients could be risking their sight through poor compliance with glaucoma medication due to lack of counselling about their medicines, academics have warned.

Of 98 patients either newly prescribed or already taking travoprost for glaucoma for two months, 40 per cent of patients did not use their medication on a daily basis, research from East Anglia University found. Around half of patients were dissatisfied with information given on how to tell if the drug was working, or how long it would take to act.

Improved counselling was vital in ensuring compliance with glaucoma medication to prevent long-term sight loss, said pharmacist Debi Bhattacharya, author of the study. The research was conducted with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

"We have also found that patients satisfied with the information that they receive about their medication are much more likely to take it regularly. It is therefore essential that healthcare professionals take the time to provide patients with the information they desire," Dr Bhattacharya said.