ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To test the use of Ring-IT, a novel 3D tactile bottle neck adaptor in topical eye drop adherence in visually impaired patients. METHODS: Bottle neck ring adaptors with either one, two or three protrusions with cube or sphere endings were designed. In phase 1, low vision was simulated in healthy subjects (n=20) with a 20/200 vision simulator; while in phase 2, visually impaired patients (n=26; 20/70 or worse) were recruited. Subjects were randomised to six combinations of varying protrusions and shapes on medication bottles and asked to identify these traits at different presentations. Responses and time to identify were recorded. RESULTS: Phase 1: 98.3% of subjects correctly identified the number of protrusions. Mean time to identify was 4.5±6.1 s. Identification success for cube and sphere end pieces were 91.7% and 73.3%, with average time for identification of 9.9±7.6 and 10.9±9.0 s. In phase 2, 92.3% of subjects correctly identified the number of protrusions. Mean time to identify was 6.0±3.0 s. Identification success for cube and sphere end pieces were 78.2% and 74.4%; with average time for identification of 7.5±4.8 and 8.5±5.6 s, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ring-IT was identified with accuracy and speed by both low vision simulated subjects, and by patients with true limited visual capabilities. These tactile bottle neck ring adaptors can be used as an assistive low vision aid device and may increase eye drop regimen adherence in visually impaired patients.
Subject(s)
Self-Help Devices , Vision, Low , Humans , Ophthalmic Solutions , Refraction, OcularABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Total patient care is of extreme importance during the administration of anesthesia. Proper care of the eye is necessary during all anesthetic administrations, especially during the administration of general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care. By paying attention to details, the likelihood of an occurrence of eye injuries is reduced. RECENT FINDINGS: Though perioperative eye injuries are rare during general anesthesia, they do account for 2-3% of claims against anesthesiologists. Ocular injuries may occur during general anesthesia even when tape has been utilized for eye closure. Corneal abrasions are the most common injuries that have been attributed to direct trauma to the eye, exposure keratopathy, or chemical injury. Using a hydrogel patch during general anesthesia is also associated with more frequent corneal injury than previously thought. Prevention of anesthesia-related eye injuries assumes a high priority since the eye is one of the major sense organs of the body. The eye can be damaged during anesthesia for both non-ophthalmic and ophthalmic surgeries.
