title: [Objective evaluation of applying eye drops by elderly patients].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To objectively evaluate the ability and skills of patients older than 65 years to successfully administer a topical ocular eye drop.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study was conducted on a group of 25 patients with a diagnosis of dry eye or glaucoma, undergoing daily treatment with eye drops for at least one year. The procedure was recorded with a video camera at the time of the application.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the total, 64% were diagnosed with glaucoma and 36% with dry eye. Almost half (44%) needed a single attempt to apply the drop, and 56% required 2 attempts. In terms of the number of eye drops applied, 52% managed with a single drop, 16% 2 drops, a 12% 3 drops, and 20% 4 or more eye drops. Areas where the eye drop was deposited in the first attempt was, 32% into the conjunctival sac, 32% on the outer corner of the eye, 8% in the inner angle, 8% in the nose, 12% on the cheek, 8% in other areas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-administration of eye drops by the elderly is a complex activity that can have an effect on the expected results.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Comarcal de Mora, Mora d'Ebre, España. Electronic address: colomecampos@gmail.com.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Colomé-Campos
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Comarcal de Mora, Mora d'Ebre, España.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Martínez-Salcedo
authors.affiliation: Universidad Rovira y Virgili, Tortosa, España.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Martorell-Hallado
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario San Juan, Reus. España.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Romero-Aroca
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011597:Psychomotor Performance
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions
keywords: Colirios; Cumplimento terapéutico; Dry eye; Eye drops; Glaucoma; Ojo seco; Senectud; Senescence; Therapeutic compliance