Researchers at Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute, compared eye-drop delivery using the nose-pivoted drop delivery device (NPDD) developed independently by colleague Robert Kinast, MD, against traditional delivery techniques at baseline and after standardized teaching. The 50 subjects, all of whom had reported problems with self-administration of drops, used a 1 to 10 scale (10 easiest) to rate the ease of delivery with each technique and completed a satisfaction survey.

Two graders used digital video to independently review eye-drop delivery and recorded (1) accurate placement: the eye drop reached the ocular surface; (2) no contact: no bottle tip contact against ocular/periocular surface; and (3) number of eye drops dispensed. They defined primary success as accurate placement and no contact, secondary success was primary success with only 1 drop dispensed.

Forty-seven out of the 50 (94%) subjects preferred the NPDD over traditional eye-drop delivery. The mean score for ease-of-use was higher for the NPDD (8.9±1.1) than baseline traditional (6.7±2.1, P<.001) and post-teaching traditional (7.0±2.0, P<.001). Forty-nine subjects thought the NPDD was comfortable to use and would recommend the device. The number of drops dispensed was lower with the NPDD (1.7±1.2) than baseline traditional (2.2±1.6).

The researchers, who reported their findings in the journal Ophthalmology Glaucoma, concluded eye-drop users preferred the NPDD over traditional eye-drop delivery. The NPDD improved eye-drop delivery success, reduced bottle tip contact, and decreased the number of eye drops wasted. Dr. Kinast believes the device can be successfully commercialized.