Administration Difficulties in Eye Drop Glaucoma Treatment: Advances in Eye Drop Aids

Managing glaucoma is a daily challenge for millions of people worldwide. One of the most common forms of treatment is using medicated eye drops, designed to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

However, while these drops are essential for maintaining vision, their application comes with its own set of difficulties. We all experienced difficulties administering eye drops, such as the bottles being too rigid, can’t aim precisely at the eyeball, poking ourselves…

Imagine that glaucoma patients need to do that daily; how burdensome can that be? 

Vysum interviewed and surveyed over 200 glaucoma eye drop users, and we found that there are 3 common difficulties they could struggle with. 

Common Difficulties in Glaucoma Eye Drop Administration

• Dexterity

The bottles used for glaucoma medication often require a firm squeeze to release a drop. For individuals with arthritis or other conditions that affect hand mobility, this can be particularly difficult. Even for those without such conditions, the need to apply just the right amount of pressure can be frustrating. Many patients report needing to exert excessive force, resulting in either too much or too little medication being dispensed.

• Discomfort

Eye drop administration can be uncomfortable for various reasons. Some patients find the act of placing the drop directly on the eye unsettling, often blinking or flinching just before the drop lands. This can lead to poking the eye with the bottle, causing irritation or even minor injuries.

Others report neck discomfort from the need to tilt their heads back for prolonged periods during the application process. For patients with limited mobility, finding a comfortable position for accurate delivery can be a significant challenge.

• Delivery and Dosage Accuracy

Eye drops are most effective when the correct dosage is delivered to the eye. However, many patients report difficulties in ensuring they apply the right amount. In fact, a significant portion of the medication often misses the target. Many patients often struggle with eye drops, finding that they sometimes end up running down their cheeks or landing somewhere other than the eye. 

The waste of medication not only reduces the treatment’s effectiveness but also increases costs for patients who need to replace their prescriptions more often.

Different eye drops have various liquid properties.

Why This Matters for Glaucoma Patients

For glaucoma patients, proper medication adherence is essential. The condition can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated, so maintaining regular eye drop application is necessary. 

However, when faced with the physical and emotional challenges of administration, individuals from all walks of life may find it difficult to follow their prescribed regimen consistently. This can lead to missed doses, improper treatment, and a higher risk of disease progression.

Vysum Smart Eye Drop Delivery Device

To ease these difficulties and ensure accurate dosage, Vysum offers a handheld eye drop delivery device. Designed to make the process more precise and comfortable, this solution aims to reduce the frustration and discomfort of daily eye drop administration, helping patients get the treatment they need with ease.

Stay tuned for more updates!

References:

1. National Eye Institute. Glaucoma Medicines | National Eye Institute. www.nei.nih.gov. 2021. available from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/Glaucoma/glaucoma-medicines

2. Glaucoma Research Foundation. How To Use Eye Drops - Glaucoma Research Foundation. Glaucoma Research Foundation. available from: https://glaucoma.org/treatment/resources/how-to-use-eye-drops