Comparison of eyedrop instillation technique with and without a delivery device in inexperienced patients

作者：Gomes Beatriz F; Lordello Marilia; Celli Luiz F; Santhiago Marcony R^*; Moraes Haroldo V

来源：European Journal of Ophthalmology, 2016, 26(6): 594-597.

DOI：10.5301/ejo.5000797

• Applicator
• Eyedrops
• Glaucoma
• Therapy adherence

Purpose: To compare the instillation of eyedrops with and without Xal-Ease (R) delivery device in inexperienced patients based on patient observation and answers to a questionnaire.
Methods: This prospective study included consecutive patients considered inexperienced in instilling eyedrops. After a short explanation about the methods, drop instillation technique was evaluated with and without the device. Subjects also completed a survey regarding drop administration and satisfaction. Successful instillation was defined as instilling a single drop in the eye without touching the eye with the bottle tip on the first attempt.
Results: The overall rate of successful instillation (43%) was the same for both techniques (with or without the device). Without the device, the bottle tip touched the eye or periocular tissues in 8 eyes (35%) compared with o (0%) with the Xal-Ease (R) (p<0.01). The number of eyedrops dispensed was significantly higher with Xal-Ease (R) (1.4 +/- 0.5 without the device versus 2.0 +/- 1.1 with Xal-Ease (R); p = 0.03). Using the Xal-Ease (R) device, 13 (57%) of the patients needed to make more than one attempt, versus 6 (26%) patients without the device (p = 0.04). Overall, 9 (39%) preferred traditional instillation and 14 (61%) preferred to use the device.
Conclusions: Xal-Ease (R) successfully decreased mechanical contact of the tip of the bottle. However, Xal-Ease (R) failed to help inexperienced subjects dispense fewer drops, or improve accuracy, suggesting that more training might be needed to achieve a good eyedrop administration technique with the device.

• 出版日期2016-12