[Objective evaluation of applying eye drops by elderly patients]

To objectively evaluate the ability and skills of patients older than 65 years to successfully administer a topical ocular eye drop.

A prospective study was conducted on a group of 25 patients with a diagnosis of dry eye or glaucoma, undergoing daily treatment with eye drops for at least one year. The procedure was recorded with a video camera at the time of the application.

Of the total, 64% were diagnosed with glaucoma and 36% with dry eye. Almost half (44%) needed a single attempt to apply the drop, and 56% required 2 attempts. In terms of the number of eye drops applied, 52% managed with a single drop, 16% 2 drops, a 12% 3 drops, and 20% 4 or more eye drops. Areas where the eye drop was deposited in the first attempt was, 32% into the conjunctival sac, 32% on the outer corner of the eye, 8% in the inner angle, 8% in the nose, 12% on the cheek, 8% in other areas.

Self-administration of eye drops by the elderly is a complex activity that can have an effect on the expected results.