Accuracy of an electronic monitoring and reminder device for use with travoprost eye drops.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the accuracy of a prototype electronic device for recording eye drop usage.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Ten volunteers were randomly assigned to one of five usage patterns designed to mimic common patterns of use in glaucoma patients from 100% compliant to 50% compliant. All participants agreed to adhere to a pre-determined "dosing" schedule for 15 days using the monitoring/reminder device to instill artificial tears. Participants also recorded drop usage in a diary. The main outcome measures were device accuracy and reproducibility. Device accuracy was defined as the magnitude of the difference between the diary and device output for three variables: date, number of drops, and instillation time.

RESULTS

Date stamping by the device was 100% accurate. The mean +/- SD time difference between the device and the diary was -2.0 +/- 19.7 minutes when data from all participants was pooled. In seven of the ten participants, the device did not record at least one drop. The mean +/- SD difference in the number of drops recorded by the device minus the diary was 0.16 +/- 0.97 when data from all participants was pooled.

CONCLUSIONS

The prototype compliance reminder/monitoring device may underestimate compliance in some patients. The date and time stamping mechanisms were generally accurate and reproducible.