Evaluation of eye drop self-administration technique in a sample of casual eye drop users

Abstract

The correct eye drop instillation technique plays a major role to ensure the success of the treatment. This study aims to evaluate the eye drop instillation technique in a sample of casual eye drop users and its associated factors. A cross-section observational study was done among self-administered eye drop users and their details had been profiled. All subjects were asked to demonstrate their instillation technique while a video recorder was used for recording and a grading chart was referred to score the technique from -1 to +4. A total of 50 subjects with 11 (22.0%) male and 39 (78.0%) female with a mean age of 22.14 (±2.70) years were involved. The major reason for eye drop usage is dryness (58.0%) followed by itchiness (14.0%), redness (12.0%), combination (12.0%), and others (4.0%). 28 (56.0%) of subjects had non-prescribed eye drops while 30 (60.0%) had no previous education regarding proper instillation technique. The mean instillation techniques score is 2.26 (±1.43) with 26 (52.0%) subjects having poor instillation techniques. In conclusion, majority of subjects had a poor technique in instilling eye drops. Thus, future research should emphasize on best methods of eye drops prescription to ensure the effectiveness of medication through self-instillation eye drops.