Development of automatic eye drop device using airflow conveyance

Ophthalmic diseases, such as glaucoma, which can cause visual impairments, increase with aging, and eye drop treatments are necessary to maintain visual function. However, more people than expected, particularly the elderly and those with neck or arm disabilities, have difficulty using eye drops. This study aims to develop an automatic eye drop device that allows users to keep their face forward while delivering a droplet to the eye positioned diagonally downward using lateral force generated by horizontal airflow. The influence on eye drop probability was discussed based on the ±3σ range of trajectory variations calculated from the mean and standard deviation of droplet weights, and the differences in eyelid holding methods. The eye drop probability without holding the eyelids was 81%. When both the upper and lower eyelids were opened with fingers, and when looking up at the LED fixation light, the probabilities were 100% for both. This method of looking up at an LED fixation light without holding the eyelids is suitable for administering a droplet from a diagonal angle and excels in terms of hygiene.