Self-medicated over the counter ophthalmic solutions in central Bangkok

There is a paucity of research about patients' attitudes, motivations and expectations towards self-medicated over the counter (OTC) ophthalmic solutions.

To identify the attitudes, motivations and expectations of general population towards self-medicated OTC ophthalmic solutions.

200 consecutive participants who were studying or lived in Patumwan District of Bangkok filled in a questionnaire in a 3-months period.

67.5% (135/200) of the participants had an age range of 15-24 years old and 32.5% (65/200) were between 25-35 years old. Participants who were university graduates and currently university students were 53% and 35.5% respectively. Most history of illness was allergy (10/200). Half of the participants had normal vision and 40% (80/200) were near-sighted. The factor that most influenced the use of solution was dust in the eye (55%-111/200). Ocular allergic symptoms, such as eye itching, irritation and tearing, was the second. The most frequent symptom that induced the use of solutions was eye itching and irritation (48.5%-97/200). The symptom of red or pink eye was the second (33%-66/200). 48.5% (97/200) and 53.50% (107/200) of participants started using the solution at the time the influencing symptoms occurred and used for one day respectively. 46.5% (93/200) of the participants realized that the solution could be use only within 1 month after opening.

From the data of this survey, more information and knowledge about the use of OTC products needs to be campaigned, even among highly educated citizens in the center of Bangkok. Better information for patients could improve the safety of OTC medicines. The ways of advising patients need to be found. The uncertainty is, therefore, how far this trend will go and how health care professionals and consumers will resspond.