Effectiveness of a Newly Developed Instillation Aid for Unit-Dose Ophthalmic Solutions

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of a newly developed unit-dose eye drop instillation aid in patients with glaucoma. Methods: Hospitalized adult glaucoma patients at the University of Yamanashi were enrolled if they had self-administered glaucoma eye drops for at least six months, had no upper limb impairments or cognitive decline, and had corrected visual acuity of ≥20/200 in at least one eye. This study used 0.1% hyaluronic acid mini-ophthalmic drops. Eye drop instillation was performed in the following order: without aid in the sitting position, with aid in the sitting position, without aid in the supine position, and with aid in the supine position. One practice trial with the device was conducted beforehand. Successful instillation was defined as delivery of a drop into the conjunctival sac without contact with the ocular surface, eyelashes, or face. Patients were also surveyed regarding the perceived usefulness of the device. Results: Sixty-three patients (37 males, 26 females; mean age 71.3 ± 11.2 years) participated. In the sitting position, the success rate improved significantly from 70.3% without the aid to 89.1% with the aid (p = 0.0005). Success rates decreased with age but improved more markedly in older patients. In the supine position, the rate was 76.6% without the aid and 100% with the aid (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Unit-dose eye drop aids significantly increase the success rate of instillation, especially among elderly patients, and may contribute to better adherence and treatment outcomes in glaucoma care.