A team of University of Texas Medical Branch investigators has developed, produced and tested a three-dimensional prototype tactile ring to help low-vision patients use eye drops. The rings feature one, two or three protrusions with cube-or-sphere-shaped endings that can be attached to the medication bottlenecks.  

“Tactile rings (Ring-IT) with prongs are novel 3-D bottle neck adaptors designed to provide a vital solution for those with low vision, aiding in the recognition and accurate dosage of eye drops, thus enhancing treatment management and independence,” said Dr. Praveena Gupta, clinical professor of Ophthalmology and first author of the paper in BMJ Open Ophthalmology journal.  

Ring-IT was designed using a 3D printed model of a rigid plastic ring clip and manufactured in UTMB’s Maker Health Space Medical Fabrication Laboratory. 

Using a vision simulator during phase 1, investigators simulated vision impairment in healthy subjects and then asked them to complete tasks related to using multiple eye drop regimens. 

In phase 2, visually impaired subjects were tasked with identifying bottles by the type and number of protrusions on the ring. 

“Ring-IT was identified with accuracy and speed by both low-vision simulated subjects, and by patients with true limited visual capabilities. These tactile bottleneck ring adaptors can be used as an assistive low-vision aid device and may increase eye drop regimen adherence in visually impaired patients," the researchers concluded.

The researchers concluded the device has potential to be a practical tool to enhance topical eye drop adherence in patients with visual impairment.

“Having low vision can be debilitating, affecting the management of eye diseases and complicating the identification of the type and dosage of eye drops needed,” Gupta said. “It demands innovative solutions to ensure effective treatment and care.”