Abstract
Objective. This study aims to evaluate eyedrop self-installation techniques and factors affecting these techniques in glaucoma patients. Methods. Researchers directly observed eyedrop instillation procedures of 66 glaucoma patients. Contact with periocular tissues and instillation onto ocular surface or conjunctival fornices were considered. Correlations of instillation patterns with patient characteristics including age, gender, intraocular pressure, cup-to-disc ratio, visual field loss, and total intake of glaucoma medication and handgrip strength score were searched. Results. The average handgrip strength in the instillation without periocular contact group was 66.4 ± 19.7 kg, while the average handgrip strength score was 55.9 ± 20.9 kg in the instillation with contact group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.039). No statistically significant correlation was found between handgrip strength and the mean number of glaucoma medications, c/d, intraocular pressure (p > 0.05). Also there was no significant relation between mean handgrip strength score and the severity of the visual field defect (p = 0.191). Conclusion. Patients especially with severe glaucomatous damage should be adequately instructed about the proper techniques for self-instillation of eyedrops and motivated to use a proper technique. Also, it is possible to suggest that patients with a higher handgrip strength, indicating the well-being of general health, may be doing better in properly instilling glaucoma eyedrops.
Highlights
Proper administration of medicines is as important as the proper choice of medicines for a successful treatment, since, whatever the effectiveness of the medicine is, the benefit from the treatment depends on the correct administration
Poor adherence and compliance with medical treatment were found to be associated with difficulty in achieving target intraocular pressure (IOP) and larger visual field defects have been reported in this group of patients [1,2,3,4]
No statistically significant difference was found between the patients instilling eyedrop in seated position and supine position in age, gender, handgrip strength, the mean number of glaucoma medications, visual field defects, c/d, and intraocular pressure (p > 0.05)
Summary
Proper administration of medicines is as important as the proper choice of medicines for a successful treatment, since, whatever the effectiveness of the medicine is, the benefit from the treatment depends on the correct administration. Poor adherence and compliance with medical treatment were found to be associated with difficulty in achieving target intraocular pressure (IOP) and larger visual field defects have been reported in this group of patients [1,2,3,4]. Adherence to treatment is a complex issue having many aspects related to the patient, such as accepting the disease, continuing to have repeat prescriptions, and applying the right daily medication regime at suggested intervals. One important aspect for glaucoma patients is difficulties during the administration of their eyedrops. Aging is associated with reduced daily living activities as a result of health problems along with reduced social and functional capacities. Hand dynamometers have been developed to measure handgrip strength, reflecting the general functional level of the individual. Jamar hand dynamometer is a validated, reliable instrument recommended by The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) as a gold standard to measure handgrip strength [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
