A new eyedrop dispensing bottle

PURPOSE: To report a new eyedrop dispensing container that allows administr ation of eyedrops while the head of the patient is in the usual upright pos ition. METHODS: An eyedrop dispensing container with a dip tube extending to the b ottom, an automatic venting mechanism, and an angulated dispensing tube was developed. RESULTS: The problem of unwanted efflux of fluid was solved by incorporatin g the automatic venting mechanism. The final design includes an adjustable, angulated dispensing tube and "single structure" construction incorporatin g the cap, A removable cheek rest is also provided. The design allows eyedr ops to be instilled while the patient's head is in the upright position and even when spectacles are being worn. A prototype 15-ml bottle delivered an eyedrop volume of 19.7 +/- 1.2 mu l (mean +/- SD) (n = 75). CONCLUSION: This new eyedrop bottle should allow precise self-administratio n of eyedrops by a patient in front of a mirror, without a need to change h ead position. (Am J Ophthalmol 1999;128:368-370. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Scien ce Inc. All rights reserved.).