A nurse and case manager at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center’s eye center has invented a new device to make it easier for patients to put drops in their eyes.
Terri Ohlinger noticed that many patients were having trouble using eyedrops correctly. Many patients have trouble squeezing small eyedrop bottles or positioning the drops over their eyes.
So with the help of University of Cincinnati engineering students, Ohlinger designed a device called the “DropEase” to make the process easier.
“There were a lot of patients who weren’t doing their eye drops,” Ohlinger told WCPO, an ABC affiliate in Cincinnati. “Or I was re-ordering their eye drops really frequently because they were using too much. Many of our patients have manual dexterity issues to where they just couldn’t squeeze the bottle, and they just kind of gave up.”
Hand-held DropEase device. Photo courtesy of VA Technology Transfer program
Device has easy-squeeze handle
The DropEase provides a stable platform for self-administering eyedrops, complete with a handle that is easy to squeeze with weak or shaky hands. The device allows users to set a metered dosage to get the proper amount of medication every time. Standard eyedrop bottles fit into the device.
The team designed two versions: a hand-held device and one with an applicator that can be worn like eyeglasses. Ohlinger and her VA colleagues worked with local Veterans to test the prototypes, and received positive feedback.
The DropEase can help users with conditions such as tremors, Parkinson’s disease or arthritis overcome difficulties with eyedrop bottles. The autosqueeze handle makes it easier to apply enough force to a small bottle. The device also features an aiming channel to help direct the drops into the eye.
The version with an eyeglass frame makes positioning the drops even easier by removing the need for the user to hold the bottle up.
The invention could also be used to apply medication drops to the ear canals.
VA Tech Transfer helps move the invention along
Ohlinger has applied for a patent with the help of VA’s Technology Transfer Program. Tech Transfer is now marketing the invention to medical device manufacturers for licensing and production through its licensing intermediary, TechLink.
TechLink provides licensing assistance to companies at no cost, with royalties from any eventual commercial sales going to the inventor and VA.
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When and how available?
When and where will it be available?
HALLELUJAH!! Thank you, Tristan! Where can I get get one of these Drop Ease dispenser?? I have photophobia and half the time can’t get drops into my eyes with shaky hands!
What a great invention. Well done!
Bravo! I have issues using my eyedrops for open-angle glaucoma.
This device ought to be available for all vets at home to utilize!
Thank you and keep up the great ideas!
Robert Breisch
Everett, WA
I’ll be glad to have and use the eye glass type. I have severe neuropathy in my hands and it takes me 3-5 tries to get the drops in my eyes. I waste more than I use each day. Thanks for helping us out!
Where can I get one?
I hope to find out when this will be available. Great invention ! Thank you!
I can’t wait to try it I take eye drops three times a day. The VA is my provider for all my eye drop medications.
Thank you and the VA for all you do.
This is needed greatly
This will be a game changer for a good percentage of our vets…including me
News of the prototype made with assistance of the U of Cincinnati students was broadcast over 2 years ago. What is the current progress on this product or why was none listed in the article? Not to mention if there is ANY approximate date of possible distribution. More pie in the sky?
I would love to have it because I have a problem putting my eyes drops to prevent glaucoma.
IN ORDER TO GET THE DROPS ONTO THE CENTER OF THE EYE, THE EYE LIDS SHOULD REMAIN OPEN.
HOW CAN THIS DEVICE OVERCOME MY PROBLEM.
Good luck with your devise, but I have never had a problem like many do because they don’t know how to use the common dispenser. You place it gently on the inside corner and squeeze the bottle until you feel the moisture coming out. I don’t think it can get any simpler. You don’t hold it up in the air to DROP onto your eye ball. You touch the flesh in the inside corner of the eye very gently and gently squeeze the bottle. Very very simple. Is the cost to manufacture this really worth it? I really hope it is and probably it to those that can’t use the bottle type dispenser. Many were never taught how to use it, so I hope someone benefits from input. Good luck!
Hello Mr Sellers, I suggest that you contact your eye doc or nurse about your eye drops. Most directions say do not touch the tip of the dropper with anything, including your the corner of your eye.
Way to go to the VA Nurse. I hope you make millions on your invention! I have had ET for 48 years and both. glaucoma & AMD for about 11 years. I look forward to trying your device.
I use drops for glacoma and would benefit with one of these when they become svsilable. Great job!!
Can this devise currently ( 03/11/2022 ) be purchased ?
IF YES how &where ? IF NO, WHEN IT is available for purchase can I PLEASE be notified ?
Thank you.
Please answer Mr McLaughlin. I’ll bet there are numerous waiting folks out with the similar issues
This would be a lifesaver for me as I have essential tremors and a very tough time putting eye drops in my eyes.