What is the "eyelid-closure reflex"?
When recommending a device to administer eye drops, people often talk about the so-called eyelid-closure reflex. As a drop approaches the eye, people would close their eye (a reflex to protect the eye), preventing the drop from entering the eye. This is used as an argument for using an eye drop aid that closes and darkens the eye. But is this relevant in making the right choice of an eye drop aid?
What is the best way to keep the eyes open when eye-dropping?
The more open the eye is, the more likely the drop will enter the eye. Practice shows that it is best for the user to keep both eyes open at all times. People often think that they open one eye wider when they squeeze the other eye shut, but the opposite is true. It is better for the eye drop user to look at his own eyebrows of both eyes so that both eyes are open as far as possible. Then, if the user also holds the eyelid down with 1 hand, the drop just comes into the eye.
The alternative against "eyelid-closure reflex.
The Drip Glasses are a device for administering eye drops with the only Class I drug product certification. The user can simply continue to see everything around them because the drip glasses are transparent. The user also has 2 hands free for administering the eye drops because the eye drop bottle can be clicked into the drop glasses. This is especially convenient for seniors because squeezing a bottle and also properly aiming it at the eye is too much for most seniors.
The Drip Glasses are put on like normal reading glasses, something that is perceived as "familiar" to seniors and those with mental disabilities. Therefore, there is no fear of closing 1 or more eyes, which is often perceived as anxious and makes eye dropping more difficult, both for the user and also for the caregiver.
Do you factor the "eyelid-closure reflex" into the choice of device?
The eyelid-closing reflex exists, but when using drop glasses, it plays no role. Especially if the user is also advised by a family member or caregiver to look at the eyebrows. Should the user clearly have a lot of difficulty as a result of the "eyelid-closure reflex," it is recommended to choose an aid that completely closes the eye. In this case, make sure that there is room/opportunity to put the eyelid down and check afterwards if the drop is really well in the eye (because the space around the eye is closed when administering the eye drop, it is more difficult to see).
