Rain Eye Drop LLC has launched a new patent-pending device for administering eye drops: the RainDrop Dispenser Aid.
First up: this company.
Established in 2020, Rain Eye Drops is the developer of RAIN renewal eye drops—a preservative-free (PF) formulation of lubricating artificial tears intended for daily use.
These drops: Are specifically designed to restore and protect healthy vision for long-term dry eye comfort, including in severe and moderate dry eye patients.
- How: By reducing tear evaporation and irritation
Talk about its formulation.
Aside from a PF formulation, RAIN is also formulated with no chemicals or redness removers—intended for daily moisturizing to protect the eyes from irritation and lubricate the tear layers.
The drop’s active ingredient is carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMS) 0.5%, an FDA-approved eye lubricant used for the temporary relief of burning, irritation, and discomfort due to eye dryness (or exposure to wind or sun).
- Notably: This eye lubricant is used in several brand-name eye drops and is typically well tolerated.
Check out RAIN’s inactive ingredients here.
And are these drops federally regulated?
While CMS is FDA-approved for use in various ophthalmic, oral, and topical formulations, over-the-counter (OTC) drops containing CMS—such as RAIN—do not require FDA approval.
However, a manufacturer (such as Rain Eye Drops) is still required to ensure that the OTC drop adheres to certain regulatory standards, including:
- Classification as an OTC monograph drug (under the "Ophthalmic Drug Products for OTC Human Use,” 21 CFR Part 349)
- This would indicate that a non-prescription (OTC) drug meets specific conditions for that monograph’s category and has been deemed generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) by the FDA
- Conformity to federal standards for manufacturing, labeling, and ingredients
With this in mind: The RAIN drops are marketed as:
- Made in FDA-approved facilities
- A certified Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) product
And how are they packaged?
RAIN is available for purchase as single-use vials (30 per box).
- See all ordering details (including pricing) by clicking here.
Next up: Tell me about this dispenser aid.
First, its design and function: The RainDrop Dispenser Aid consists of a single plastic piece with a stabilizing bar and a hammer-shaped handle that releases a precise drop of fluid.
- When administering the drop, a stabilizing bar on the device rests on the patient’s cheekbone to ensure its consistent positioning. Get step-by-step instructions—and watch a video below.
EMBED: https://vimeo.com/1097081972
So how was it developed?
The tool was originally developed using patented technology from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ VA Technology Transfer Program (TTP) and the University of California (UC) before Rain Eye Drops exclusively licensed and refined it for market distribution.
Specifically, though: The dispenser aid was invented by Julie Schallhorn, MD, MS, an ophthalmologist at the San Francisco (SF) VA as well as an associate professor and Rose B. Williams endowed chair in Corneal Research at UC, SF - School of Medicine.
- See here for background on Dr. Schallhorn's journey, from initial concept to the licensing and intellectual property agreement with Rain Eye Drops.
What was the reasoning behind this invention?
The initial intent was to assist veterans with limited hand strength and dexterity who struggle to administer eye drops from single-use vials either due to fumbling or squeezing too hard.
But its use isn’t limited to just veterans, right?
Correct. Rain Eye Drops CEO Mike Rain referred to this dispenser as a “game-changer” for any patient struggling with administering monodose eye drops—“whether due to arthritis, tremors, or the everyday hassle of aiming those tiny vials.”
Got it. Lastly, how is it sold?
The RainDrop Dispenser Aid is included with any purchase of the company’s RAIN eye drops (or any other purchase from the company).
See here to order.