Research: squeezing an eye drop bottle is often difficult

Squeezing an eye drop bottle seems simple, but it isn’t for everyone

Applying eye drops is often seen as a simple action. Yet it asks more of the user than many people think. The bottle has to be held correctly above the eye, the eye has to stay open, and at the right moment the bottle has to be squeezed in a controlled way.

That last part in particular is often underestimated. Research by Oculoo among older eye drop users shows that around 55% have difficulty squeezing the eye drop bottle hard enough. That makes grip strength one of the main obstacles to applying eye drops independently.

For people with less hand strength, stiff fingers, osteoarthritis, rheumatism or trembling hands, squeezing a small eye drop bottle can be difficult. The problem then lies not only in aiming correctly, but also in actually releasing the drop.

Why squeezing is so important when applying eye drops

Applying eye drops is all about control. Exactly enough pressure has to be applied to get one drop out of the bottle. Too little pressure means no drop comes out. Too much pressure can release several drops at once.

That creates uncertainty. The user wonders: did the drop actually come out? Did it land properly in the eye? Did I perhaps use too much? Or do I need to apply another drop?

With daily use in particular, that uncertainty can become a burden. Eye drops are often used for dry eyes, after cataract surgery or for conditions such as glaucoma. In those situations, applying drops properly and consistently is important.

When squeezing is difficult, the entire action becomes less reliable. Even if the bottle is positioned well above the eye, applying the drop can still fail.

Many aids focus mainly on aiming

Existing eye drop aids can be valuable. They often help users position the bottle better above the eye. That is important, because aiming is difficult for many people.

But research by Oculoo shows that applying eye drops is not only about aiming. Users mainly struggle with the combination of three actions: positioning, stabilising and squeezing in a controlled way.

An aid that only helps with aiming therefore does not automatically solve the whole problem. The bottle can be positioned well above the eye while the user still has difficulty administering the drop in a controlled way.

That is why grip strength is an important consideration in the development of new eye drop aids.

Reduced hand strength is common among older people

As people get older, hand strength and fine motor skills often decline. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatism or tremor can also make it harder to carry out small actions.

An eye drop bottle requires precisely such a precise movement. The user has to hold the bottle, aim it properly and then squeeze it in a controlled way. For many users, that combination is too much.

That explains why applying eye drops independently is often harder in practice than it seems. It is not a single action, but a small series of movements that all have to go right at the same time.

When one part fails, the user becomes dependent on help or the action remains uncertain.

Oculoo looks at the entire dosing action

Research by Oculoo shows that a good aid should not only help with aiming the drop. It should make the entire action easier.

That is why the Oculoo eye drop glasses were developed around three elements:

Positioning
The bottle has to be placed correctly above the eye.

Stabilising
The action has to stay calm and controlled, even when someone has less steady hands.

Controlled dosing
Squeezing the bottle has to become easier and more manageable.

This combination matches what users need in practice. Not trying harder, but smarter support.

Why this matters for applying eye drops independently

Healthcare increasingly focuses on self-reliance. In various situations users are expected to administer their eye drops independently. That can only work well when aids address the real problems people experience.

If squeezing is difficult for more than half of the older people surveyed, this needs to be taken seriously in information, aid selection and product development.

Pharmacies, ophthalmologists and care organisations can play an important role here. When prescribing or dispensing eye drops, it is wise to ask not only whether someone can aim the bottle properly, but also whether they can squeeze it properly.

A simple question can reveal a lot:

“Are you able to squeeze the eye drop bottle properly?”

If the answer is no, more is needed than just an explanation of the right dosing technique. Then suitable support has to be considered.

Conclusion

Squeezing an eye drop bottle may seem like a small part of the action, but research by Oculoo shows that for many users it is in fact a major obstacle. Around 55% of the older people surveyed say they have difficulty squeezing hard enough.

That shows that applying eye drops independently requires more than good aiming. An effective solution must also provide stability and support controlled dosing.

The Oculoo eye drop glasses were developed with that in mind. By helping with positioning, stabilising and controlled dosing, Oculoo supports the entire dosing action.

With this, Oculoo aims to make applying eye drops easier, calmer and more accessible for everyone who uses eye drops.

Frequently asked questions

Why is squeezing an eye drop bottle difficult?

Squeezing can be difficult due to reduced hand strength, stiff fingers, osteoarthritis, rheumatism or trembling hands. Some bottles are also stiff, so relatively much force is needed to release a drop.

What happens if squeezing doesn’t work well?

If squeezing doesn’t work well, no drop may come out of the bottle, or too much fluid at once. That makes it uncertain whether the drop was administered properly.

Do eye drop glasses also help with squeezing?

Many existing eye drop aids mainly help with positioning the bottle. Not all aids also support squeezing the bottle in a controlled way.

Who benefits from support with squeezing?

Support with squeezing can be important for older people, people with less hand strength, people with trembling hands and anyone who wants to administer eye drops more controlled.

How does Oculoo help with applying eye drops?

The Oculoo eye drop glasses were developed to make the entire action easier: positioning the bottle, providing stability and supporting controlled dosing.