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Abstract #10118 Published in IGR 6-1
Black eye drop bottle tips improve compliance
Stack RR; McKellar MJClinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2004; 32: 39-41
AIM: To determine if dark colored tips on eye drop bottles facilitate ocular therapy. METHODS: Eye drop bottles were modified by placing sterile black tape around the bottle tip. Patients on regular timolol therapy were asked to use bottles with the modified tip for one month. They then completed a questionnaire comparing the black tips with the standard tips on the bottle they normally use. RESULTS: Eighty-eight percent of patients found the black tipped bottles easier to use than bottles with the standard tip. Sixty-eight percent of patients had fewer occasions on which they needed to instill a second drop, and 30% touched their eyelid less when using the modified bottle tips. CONCLUSION: Black colored bottle tips aid ocular therapy. They are easier to use, result in less contact with the eye on instillation and patients note a reduction in need for a second or additional drop. This is likely to improve compliance and reduce contamination. A change in manufacturing practice should be encouraged.
Dr. R.R. Stack, Department of Ophthalmology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
Classification:
11.20 Other (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
