Public Awareness Regardng Eye Drop Use and Effect of Artificial Tears & Conditioning Solution Instillation over Time on Tear Film Stability

Abstract

Purpose : This study investigated the public knowledge regarding the proper use of eye drops Also, study explored the short term effect of eye drops over time on tear film stability. Methods : First, online survey was created to ask knowledge regarding proper use of eye drops. Second, 20 participants were recruited and were divided into dry eye group and normal eye group based on OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) survey score. 3 eye drops (artificial tears (AT), conditioning solution (CS) and saline solution (SS) were applied to each participants. Tear film stability factors such as TMH (tear meniscus height) and Non-invasive TBUT (tear break up time) were measured at baseline, 1 min, 3 min and 5 min after instillation. Results : All 127 response of online survey collected, 66.7% of respondents not sure regarding the difference between artificial tears and conditioning solution. 68.1% of contact lens wearers have used artificial tears while wearing contact lens. Regarding the effect of eye drops over time on TMH, there was significant difference over time of eye drop (Baseline<1 min and 3 min, p<0.050). However there was no difference between baseline and 5 min after(p=0.720) for TBUT measurement. There was significant difference with types of eye drop (SS<AT, CS p<0.050) and over time (baseline, 5 min after <1 min after p<0.050). Conclusion : As public awareness regarding proper use of eye drops, it is important to deliver proper instruction to the public. Effect to TMH with eye drops may not last more than 5 min, but temporary improvement. For TBUT, effect of AT on TBUT was greater at 1 min than other eye drops for dry eye group. Instillation of saline solution may worse the tear film stability, in particular TBUT.