Neck Pain and Disability: Eye Drop Installation Technique As A Causative Factor

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate a possible relationship between long standing eye drop usage and neck pain and to determine the optimal neck position while instilling the eye drop. Patients and methods: Sixty-seven patients who admitted to the ophthalmology outpatient clinic with the diagnosis of glaucoma and using eye drops for at least one year were included in the study as group 1 (n=31). The ages of the patients were between 18 to 80 years. A control group (group 2, n=36) was selected from age-matched individuals who did not use eye drops. The neck disability index form and a study form which included demographic data and the method of eye drop usage of patients were filled. Results: The mean age of the patients were 55.7±11.5 and 53.5±17.1 years for group 1 and group 2, respectively. There was no significant difference in the age and sex between the groups (p=0.526 and p=0.396, respectively). Compared to the controls, the chronic eye drop usage and its application method produced significant difference in neck disability index (p<0.001). Also, there was a positive correlation between neck disability index and number of eye drop usage per a day and period of eye drop usage (p=0.003 and p=0.004, respectively). Conclusion: Neck posture which is not placed in hyperextension position during administration of eye drop may reduce postural neck malpositionrelated neck disability. Patients who are on eye drop for a long time should be informed about postural disorders and instructed to correct the administration of eye drop technique to avoid neck pain.