Applying eye drops is harder for many people than expected
Applying eye drops seems like a simple task. You hold the bottle above the eye, squeeze once and the drop lands in the right place all by itself. In practice, this turns out to be less straightforward for many people. Especially when someone has to apply drops daily for glaucoma, dry eyes or after cataract surgery, small problems can have a major impact on the correct use of eye drops.
Figures from the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Statistics show that in 2023 Dutch community pharmacies dispensed a product for use in the eye or ear to 2.3 million people. A large part of this group uses eye drops temporarily or long term. That makes applying eye drops not a minor care task, but a daily routine for a large group of people.
Why is applying eye drops correctly important?
Eye drops are used for conditions such as glaucoma, dry eyes, inflammation and after cataract surgery. With glaucoma, eye drops are often the first step in treatment. They are used to lower the eye pressure and usually have to be used daily and long term.
After cataract surgery, patients are often given eye drops to take home. These drops support the recovery of the operated eye. The ophthalmologist or clinic indicates how often and for how long the drops should be used.
Precisely because eye drops often have to be used at set times, the way they are applied matters. A missed drop, several drops at once or a drop that lands beside the eye can mean the treatment is followed less well than intended.
What makes applying eye drops difficult?
The task requires more than many people think. You have to tilt your head back, position the bottle correctly above the eye, apply enough force, not squeeze too hard, not blink and prevent the nozzle from touching the eye or skin.
Research into eye drop technique shows that common mistakes are the bottle touching the eye or eyelid, the eye not being closed properly after applying the drop, and the tear duct not being pressed shut. In a study on eye drop technique, 40.7% of patients touched the eye or eyelid with the bottle, while 67.8% did not close the eye after applying the drop.
International literature on eye drop aids also mentions several recurring problems: difficulty aiming, tilting the head back far enough, spilling, preventing contamination of the bottle and applying enough force to get a drop out of the bottle.
Applying drops independently demands a lot of control
Applying drops independently is important to many people. It prevents dependence on a partner, informal carer, home care or pharmacy service. At the same time, applying drops independently is particularly difficult when someone has reduced vision, trembling hands, less hand strength or difficulty with fine motor skills.
With glaucoma this plays an even bigger role. Treatment is often long term and drops must be used consistently. Glaucoma UK states that eye drop aids can help to administer drops more accurately, for example by positioning the bottle more steadily above the eye or making squeezing easier.
The Rotterdam Eye Hospital also notes that applying eye drops seems simple, but is difficult for many people. That is why step-by-step instructions and aids such as eye drop glasses are used to help people apply drops independently for longer.
Common mistakes when applying eye drops
In practice, these problems occur most often:
- The drop lands beside the eye.
- Several drops come out of the bottle at once.
- The bottle touches the eye, the lashes or the skin.
- The user squeezes too hard or not hard enough.
- The head is not positioned properly.
- The user blinks at exactly the moment the drop falls.
- It is unclear whether the drop actually entered the eye.
- With several types of eye drops, too little time is left between the drops.
That last point is important. Various eye clinics advise waiting at least five minutes between different eye drops, so that the second drop does not wash away the first.
Applying eye drops with glaucoma
With glaucoma, consistent use is important, because the drops are intended to lower the eye pressure. According to the Oogfonds, people with glaucoma can contribute to preserving their sight by using their eye drops properly every day and attending check-ups with the ophthalmologist. The Oogfonds also advises asking the pharmacy about aids if applying drops is difficult.
Even so, treatment adherence in glaucoma is a well-known problem. A review article on treatment adherence in glaucoma notes that problems with administering eye drops can be an important reason why patients follow their treatment less well. In an American survey, 62% of glaucoma patients reported experiencing problems following the prescribed treatment; administering drops was mentioned as a common obstacle.
This does not mean that an aid treats glaucoma. An aid can, however, support more accurate and more independent administration of the prescribed eye drops.
Applying eye drops after cataract surgery
Applying drops properly is also important after cataract surgery. Patients are often given a drop schedule for the weeks after the operation. Thuisarts.nl states that after cataract surgery patients are given eye drops along with an explanation of how to use them.
In practice, this temporary period can be particularly difficult. People who never used eye drops before the operation suddenly have to apply drops several times a day. In addition, the operated eye can be sensitive, which makes someone blink sooner or feel uncertain while applying the drops.
An aid such as eye drop glasses can offer support in this situation with aiming and holding the bottle steady. The patient must always continue to follow the drop schedule from their doctor or clinic.
Why one drop is usually enough
Many users think that applying extra drops is better, especially when they are unsure whether the first drop landed properly. That is usually not the intention. The Rotterdam Eye Hospital indicates that eye drops work best when one drop is used at a time, and no more.
Applying too many drops can lead to waste, irritation or bottles running out unnecessarily quickly. Moreover, the eye can only hold a limited amount of liquid. Anything more usually runs out of the eye again.
What helps you apply drops better?
Applying eye drops properly starts with a clear routine. Wash your hands beforehand, read the instructions from your doctor or pharmacy, use the drops at set times and check whether the bottle is suitable for independent use.
Practical aids can help as well. Think of a mirror, a fixed drop schedule, an alarm on your phone or an aid that positions the bottle better. For people who have difficulty aiming, squeezing or holding the bottle steady, eye drop glasses can offer a solution.
The Oculoo eye drop glasses have been developed to support users in administering eye drops independently. The glasses help position the bottle above the eye and support the squeezing movement. This makes Oculoo a practical aid for applying drops, not a treatment for an eye condition.
Conclusion
Applying eye drops seems simple, but in reality it requires a great deal of precision. The user has to aim well, apply enough force, keep looking calmly and prevent the bottle from touching the eye. For people who apply drops daily for glaucoma, dry eyes or after cataract surgery, this can be a recurring challenge.
Research and practical experience show that mistakes when applying eye drops occur regularly. That is why more attention is needed for clear instruction, fixed routines and suitable aids. Anyone who has difficulty administering eye drops would do well to discuss this with their ophthalmologist, pharmacy or care provider.
With the right support, more people can continue to apply their drops independently, safely and with greater confidence.
Frequently asked questions about applying eye drops
Why does applying eye drops often go wrong?
Applying eye drops requires good hand-eye coordination, sufficient hand strength and a stable posture. Many people find it difficult to hold the bottle exactly above the eye or blink at the moment the drop falls.
Are eye drop glasses the same as a treatment?
No. Eye drop glasses do not treat glaucoma, dry eyes or other eye conditions. They are an aid that can support the administration of prescribed eye drops.
Can I use eye drop glasses after cataract surgery?
In many cases you can, as long as the eye drop glasses are suitable for the bottle you use and you follow your doctor’s drop schedule. In doubt? Ask your ophthalmologist, clinic or pharmacy for advice.
What should I do if I am unsure whether the drop entered my eye properly?
Do not simply use extra drops without advice. Read the instructions from your doctor or pharmacy and ask for an explanation if you are often unsure whether the drop lands properly.
Who are eye drop glasses intended for?
Eye drop glasses are intended for people who have difficulty applying eye drops independently. For example due to trembling hands, less hand strength, reduced vision, uncertainty or difficulty aiming the bottle properly.
