Experimental study of an automated system for the delivery of eyedrops using a microinfusion pump.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of using a commercially available microinfusion pump for the continuous delivery of eye drops using a rabbit model.


METHODS
Laboratory investigation.


METHODS
Tear secretion was measured after attaching a microinfusion pump to the superior fornix of a rabbit. The pump was set to deliver artificial tears continuously. A rabbit eye was first chemically burned with 1N NaOH, the pump was then set to deliver 0.1% fluorometholone continuously. Results were compared with those obtained using 0.1% fluorometholone.


RESULTS
Schirmer tests indicated that an average of 22.3 mm in eyes supported by a pump and an average of 10.3 mm in eyes without pump. Moreover, eyes treated with corticosteroid delivered by pump recovered faster than those treated with topical corticosteroid.


CONCLUSIONS
The continuous delivery of eye drops by a microinfusion pump could be applicable to patients with severe dry eyes or ocular surface diseases. Further study should be needed.
Kwon
Ji Won
JW
Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Chongno-Gu, Korea.
Kim
Jung Suk
JS
Choi
Soo Bong
SB
Lee
Jin Hak
JH
Wee
Won Ryang
WR
D000818:Animals; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects*; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005469:Fluorometholone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011817:Rabbits; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D005469:Fluorometholone