Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
The psychological impact of eyedrops administration in children
Jane Lim Sujuan1, Swati Handa2, Champika Perera2
1Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Insights
A small percentage of children struggle with eyedrop administration, showing significant pre-drop anxiety. Younger age, male sex, prior negative experiences, and higher anxiety levels are linked to uncooperativeness, impacting procedure times.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Psychology
Background:
- Eyedrop administration is common in pediatric eye exams.
- Understanding children's psychological responses is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the psychological effects of eyedrop administration in children.
- To identify factors associated with uncooperativeness during eyedrop instillation.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study included 298 children aged 2-12 years undergoing cycloplegic refraction.
- Cooperation levels were rated by healthcare professionals.
- Parental reporting of child's anxiety using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS) was utilized.
Main Results:
- 13% of children were uncooperative with eyedrops, and 26% experienced pre-drop distress.
- Uncooperative children were younger, more likely male, had prior negative eyedrop experiences, and higher anxiety scores.
- Uncooperativeness prolonged eyedrop instillation and refraction times.
Conclusions:
- A subset of children exhibit uncooperativeness and anxiety during eyedrop administration.
- Age, sex, previous negative experiences, and pre-drop anxiety are key factors influencing cooperation.
- These factors should inform strategies to improve the eyedrop experience for children.
Purpose:
To determine the psychological effects of eyedrops administration in children.
Methods:
Children requiring eyedrops for cycloplegic refraction were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Nurses administered eyedrops in 2-3 cycles spaced 5-10 minutes apart, and optometrists performed refraction 30 minutes after the last drop. Ophthalmologists, nurses, and optometrists rated the children's cooperation level at first review, after each eyedrop, at refraction, and at final review. Parents chose a personality type best describing their child, and monitored their child's anxiety using a modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS). Children were "uncooperative" if nurses noted significant distress during the first drop cycle.
Results:
A total of 298 children 2-12 years of age were included. Of these, 77 (26%) experienced pre-drop distress and 39 (13%) were uncooperative with drops. Compared to cooperative children, uncooperative children tended to be younger (2.0-4.9 years vs ≥8 years; OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.14-14.83; P = 0.031), male (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.06-6.10; P = 0.036), have had a previous negative eyedrop experience (84.2% vs 25.3%; P < 0.001) and were more anxious (m-YPAS scores, 41.4 ± 22.0 vs 30.6 ± 12.6: P < 0.001). Children described as "demanding and aggressive" were more uncooperative than "timid and anxious" children. It took longer to instill drops (3.1 vs 1.3 minutes), and perform refraction (11.6 vs 7.2 minutes) in uncooperative children.
Conclusions:
A small group of children were uncooperative with eyedrops and 26% experienced significant pre-drop anxiety. Factors such as age, sex, a previous negative eyedrop experience, and pre-drop anxiety, associated with uncooperativeness need to be considered when developing strategies to improve the eyedrops experience in children.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
01:21Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:17Accessory Structures of the Eye