Handling Test of Eye Drop Dispenser—Comparison of Unit-Dose Pipettes with Conventional Eye Drop Bottles

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of this study were to investigate how elderly people handle single-use eye drop dispensers (unit-dose pipettes) and to compare the performance with conventional eye drop bottles. Methods:In this open-label study, the handling of unit-dose pipettes and conventional eye drop bottles was compared in 41 elderly people who had little or no prior regular use of eye drop dispensers. The participants tested both types of dispenser once, and the following 7 variables were studied: ease/difficulty of opening the dispenser; influence of the size for handling of the dispenser; influence of the shape for handling of the dispenser; observation of the contents in the dispenser; the feeling of the dispenser in the hand; ease/difficulty of drop instillation on the eye from the dispenser; and overall performance of the eye drop dispenser. The dispensers contained isotonic saline, and a visual analog scale was used for assessment of each of the above variables. Results: The mean age of the participants was 73 years. A statistically significant difference in favor of the unitdose pipettes was found with respect to observation of the contents in the dispenser, ease of administration, and the overall performance. Women regarded the unit-dose pipettes generally better than the bottles, but such a difference was not seen in men. Conclusions: The study participants managed the unit-dose pipettes at least as well as the conventional eye drop bottles. If anything, the unit-dose pipettes appeared to be easier to use.

Medication Packaging and Older Patients: A Systematic Review

“…Page 35 reported significantly more failures among women than men because of differences in grip strength. Finally, Parkkari et al 45 presented statistically significant differences (P = 0.0025) in ease of opening reported by men and women. Decreased cognitive function, as measured by the Mini-Mental-State Examination (MMSE), 30,32,40 and cognitive interpretation 31,35 impacted in a decreased ability to open medicine containers.…”

“…Seven studies related the female gender with difficulties in opening packages. [30][31][32]34,35,38,45 For example, Atkin et al 32 found that of the 72 women in the study, 66 were unable to open all tested containers and break tablets. Of the 48 men, 28 were unable to perform the same task.…”

“…30,[32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] Seven studies assessed the physical functionality of medication packages and user capability combined with administration of medication and competence, 31,40,41 packaging acceptability, 42 consumer behaviour and decision-making process 43 and self-application through eyedroppers. 44,45 Packaging orientationchild-resistant containers (CRCs). The type and characteristics of the packages were determinant to the difficulties on use reported by the studies.…”

“…Experience of use was associated with better performance in the opening tasks. 31,35,38,39,41,44,45 Research stream twomedication management…”

Ocular Surface Morbidities in Glaucoma

“…54 other study conclude that patients could manage single-dose units as least as well as the conventional eye drop bottles. 55 anyway, multidose bottles have been developed, working by either allowing the preservative filtration and posterior absorption on a porous membrane, or by using a valve system that hinders penetration of bacteria into the bottle. the aBaK ® (laboratoires théa, France) and comoD ® (ursapharm, Germany) are examples of these systems, and have been patented and commercialised with various beta-blockers such as timolol, carteolol and non antiglaucomatous compounds.…”