Eyedrop Instillation Techniques, Difficulties, and Currently Available Solutions: A Literature Review

Abstract

Purpose: To review current eyedrop instillation techniques, common difficulties faced by patients instilling eyedrops, available eyedrop assistive devices, and patient education regarding eyedrop instillation. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched from conception until June 2022 for articles on eyedrop instillation difficulties, techniques, tools, and patient education. Results: Instillation involves pulling down the lower eyelids and placing drops on the corneal surface or conjunctival fornix, followed by closing of the eyelids for about 1 min. Examples of techniques include eyelid closure and nasolacrimal obstruction techniques. Patients encounter many difficulties when administering eyedrops, including but not limited to poor visibility, squeezing the dropper bottle, aiming the bottle, and accidentally blinking. However, devices are available that assist with aim and dropper compression-force reduction in eyedrop instillation. These can be particularly useful in patient demographics with diminished manual dexterity or the ability to generate force from their fingers. Furthermore, despite patient education in eyedrop instillation not being a common practice, it has been found that adequate patient education can lead to significant improvement in eyedrop instillation technique. Conclusions: While many factors are associated with poor eyedrop instillation technique, there are many solutions available including assistive devices and proper instillation education.