Role of opticare eye drop delivery system in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective, To investigate the prevalence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in 3 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing outpatient followup, and t o assess their ability to use artificial tears, and the role of an aid to d ispensing drops, the Opticare. Methods, Initial questionnaire given to 340 patients based on preliminary c riteria for classification of Sjogren's syndrome. Thirty symptomatic patien ts were invited to undergo objective and subjective assessment of the abili ty to instill artificial tears with and without the Opticare. Results. One hundred twenty-seven (37%) patients had had symptoms lasting a t least 3 months at some time, and 85 (25%) were currently symptomatic. Man y patients found difficulty using artificial tears due to problems aiming a nd squeezing the bottles as a result of impaired upper limb function. The O pticare statistically significantly improved the ability to squeeze out dro ps and get them in the eye. Conclusion. The Opticare device allows patients with functional impairment of the upper limb to instill artificial tears, resulting in less wastage of tears and increased independence and compliance.