Research: half of older adults are unaware of any eye drop aid

What is an eye drop aid?

An eye drop aid is designed to make applying eye drops easier. Some aids mainly help with positioning the bottle correctly above the eye. Other solutions support the user with stability, control or easier application of the drop.

Applying eye drops independently requires several actions at the same time. The user has to hold the bottle correctly above the eye, keep the eye open and squeeze in a controlled way at the right moment. For people with less hand strength, trembling hands or reduced vision, that can be difficult.

Half of older adults are unaware of any eye drop aid

Research by Oculoo among older eye drop users shows that around 50% are unaware of any eye drop aid at all. This means many people keep trying, missing or relying on help, even though aids exist that could offer support.

This lack of awareness is a significant problem. Independent eye drop use does not begin with the aid itself, but with whether people know that solutions are available.

When someone does not know that aids exist, applying eye drops often remains an uncertain task. Did the drop actually reach the eye? Was enough applied? Or did the drop land on the eyelid, the lashes or the cheek?

Why many users continue to struggle

The broader research by Oculoo shows that many older adults continue to have difficulty applying eye drops. The main problems are aiming the bottle correctly, squeezing hard enough and carrying out the action steadily.

It is precisely that combination which makes independent eye drop use difficult. A user has to aim, but also hold the bottle steady and squeeze in a controlled way. If one element goes wrong, the whole action becomes uncertain.

An aid can help here, but only when someone knows it exists, understands how it works and actually uses it. In practice, that is often where things go wrong. Many users are prescribed eye drops or take them home without anyone checking as standard whether independent use is possible.

Information is just as important as the aid itself

The research shows that the problem is not only technical. Aids exist, but many users never come across them. As a result, part of the target group remains unnecessarily dependent on informal carers, a partner, family or home care.

There is a clear role here for pharmacies, ophthalmologists, GPs and care organisations. When prescribing or dispensing eye drops, it should be standard practice to ask whether someone can apply them independently.

A simple question can already make a big difference:

“Are you able to apply the eye drops yourself?”

If the answer is no, a suitable eye drop aid can be suggested straight away. A short demonstration or explanation can also remove a lot of uncertainty. Especially for older adults, an aid works better when it is calmly explained and can be practised once.

Why awareness is becoming increasingly important

Awareness of aids is becoming increasingly important, because care is focusing more and more on self-reliance. In several regions, older adults are expected to apply eye drops themselves. That is understandable given the growing pressure on home care, but it does require proper support.

If users do not know which aids are available, the problem merely shifts. The action does not truly become independent; instead the pressure falls on informal carers or the user keeps applying drops with uncertainty.

With eye medication in particular, that is risky. Eye drops are often used after surgery, for dry eyes or for conditions where regular application is important. When someone is unsure whether the drop lands correctly, this can lead to stress, waste or incorrect use.

Better information is therefore not a side issue. It is a necessary step to make independent eye drop use safe and achievable.

Oculoo looks at the complete eye drop action

Many existing aids focus mainly on positioning the bottle correctly. That is valuable, because aiming is an important problem for many users. But the research by Oculoo shows that applying eye drops often involves more than aiming alone.

Users mainly get stuck on the combination of positioning, stabilising and controlled squeezing. An aid should therefore not only help get the bottle above the eye, but also contribute to calm, stability and control throughout the entire action.

That is why the Oculoo eye drop glasses were developed around the complete eye drop action. Oculoo helps position the bottle correctly, provides stability while applying drops and supports controlled squeezing.

This makes applying eye drops not only better aimed, but also simpler and calmer to carry out.

Conclusion

The fact that around 50% of older eye drop users are unaware of any eye drop aid shows that there is still much to gain in information and guidance. Many users continue to struggle unnecessarily, while support could help make applying eye drops easier, steadier and more independent.

Independent eye drop use therefore does not start only with the aid, but with awareness. Users need to know that solutions exist and receive clear explanation on how to use them.

The Oculoo eye drop glasses meet that need. By helping with positioning, stabilising and controlled application, Oculoo supports the complete action. With this, Oculoo aims to make applying eye drops easier for everyone who uses them.