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Abstract #22457 Published in IGR 10-4
Self-application of single-use eyedrop containers in an elderly population: Comparisons with standard eyedrop bottle and with younger patients
Dietlein TS; Jordan JF; Lüke C; Schild A; Dinslage S; Krieglstein GKActa Ophthalmologica 2008; 86: 856-859
PURPOSE: To test whether patients aged ≥ 80 years can safely and successfully apply eyedrops from a single-use eyedrop container without support, and to compare the results with those of younger patients using single-use containers and older patients using standard eyedrop bottles. METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 80 years who had no physical or mental conditions hindering self-application of eyedrops and actually did so because of glaucoma or dry eyes were included consecutively in the study group (n = 44) in order to perform self-application of eyedrops from single-use eyedrop containers. Patients were observed meticulously by two investigators, who documented practical problems during the procedure in a checklist. In control group A (n = 22), glaucoma or sicca patients aged between 50 and 65 years applied drops from single-use eyedrop containers; in control group B (n = 28), glaucoma or sicca patients aged ≥ 80 years used a traditional eyedrop bottle. RESULTS: Successful application of the drops into the conjunctival sac was achieved by 57% in the study group (95% and 89% in control groups A and B, respectively). Scratching of the eyedrop container along the conjunctiva or cornea was observed in 68% of the study group (41% and 61% in control groups A and B, respectively). Frequency of problems during opening and self-application of single-use eyedrop containers in the study group showed an inverse correlation to visual acuity in the better eye and previous experience with this kind of eyedrop container. CONCLUSION: Older patients have massive problems in self-administering eyedrops from single-use containers. Factors influencing the success of self-application may include the patient's previous experience with this kind of eyedrop container and the patient's visual acuity.
Dr. T.S. Dietlein, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Köln, Germany. thomas.dietlein@uk-koeln.de