Eye Drop Instillation Success and Hand Function in Adults with Glaucoma: A Pilot Study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Geriatrics
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Glaucoma management often requires daily eye drop instillation.
• Hand function impairments are common in older adults, potentially affecting self-care tasks.
• The impact of glaucoma-related hand dysfunction on eye drop instillation success is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare hand function and eye drop instillation success between older adults with and without glaucoma.
• To identify specific hand function deficits in adults with glaucoma.
• To assess the relationship between hand function and successful eye drop administration.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional pilot study involving adults aged 65+.
• Participants included those with glaucoma using daily eye drops and controls without glaucoma.
• Hand function assessed using standardized tests (pinch/grip strength, dexterity, tactile sensitivity).
• Eye drop instillation success evaluated via videography, measuring successful drops, number dispensed, and bottle tip contact.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in overall successful eye drop instillation between groups.
• Participants with glaucoma showed significantly reduced pinch and grip strength, poorer dexterity (Grooved Pegboard Test, Arthritis Hand Function Tests), and reduced tactile acuity.
• Individuals with glaucoma had a higher incidence of bottle tip contact with the eye, eyelashes, or skin (49% vs. 28%).

Conclusions:

• Despite hand function deficits, older adults with glaucoma achieve comparable eye drop instillation success.
• Increased bottle tip contact in the glaucoma group suggests a higher risk of eye drop contamination.
• Hand function deficits may complicate eye drop instillation, necessitating strategies to mitigate risks.