Novel device eases instillation of eye drops

Patients who used a proprietary eye drop delivery device (Eyedrop, Vanguard Design, São Paulo, Brazil) in a pilot study reported that it eased the instillation of hypotensive drops, especially if they weren’t used to using eye drops, the study authors report in the Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. Use of the plastic device, into which the medication bottle is inserted, did not change the drops’ effectiveness nor the frequency of side effects.

“The improvement in patient adherence to treatment could result in better IOP control and lower risk of progression over time,” the authors wrote. “Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are necessary in order to better investigate such aspects.”

The study included 32 patients, 44% of whom had glaucoma. No significant difference in mean IOP variation existed between those using the device and those not using it. Patients learned how to use the device via video and a handout that included written instructions and illustrations after initially using the device under physician supervision.

The researchers are from the United States and Brazil.