A variety of drop eye issues may be treated using eye drops. For instance, you could take prescription eye drops from your doctor to cure an infection, a minor eye injury, or a disease like glaucoma. Alternatively, you may treat dry or irritated eyes with over-the-counter eye drops. Depending on why you’re taking them, you could need to use eye drops for a short while or a while.
It’s crucial to utilize eye drops properly, regardless of why you’re doing so. The right approach aids the medication’s absorption into your eye, allowing it to accomplish its job. Here are detailed guidelines for using eye drops safely and effectively.
What Is Required?
You’ll also need hand sanitizers or soap and water to clean your hands and eye drops. You may also need some tissues to remove extra tears from the area around your eyes.
Step-By-Step Guidelines
You may assist yourself with eye drops by following these steps. These methods may assist you in giving drops to someone else if you’re a parent or carer. Ask a family member or friend to help you if you have problems applying drops to your eyes.
Preparation
Amass your resources. These consist of the eye drop container and tissue or other soft material to wipe away any extra drops.
Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper after washing your hands with soap and water. You may use hand sanitiser in their place if soap and water are not accessible.
If instructed on the label, shake the bottle gently by your doctor or pharmacist.
The bottle’s cap should be taken off, and it should be set on its side on a spotless surface.
Please make sure the dropper tip is clean by inspecting it. Replace the bottle of drops with a fresh one if it is soiled.
Applying The Drops
Lay flat on your back or tilt your head back. Use your finger to pull your lower eyelid downward to create a pouch or pocket where the eye drop will go.
The dropper tip should face down when you hold the bottle over your eye. The dropper tip should be as near to your vision as it is comfortable without touching it. You may support the hand carrying the bottle by placing your wrist on your forehead.
Look upward. Squeeze the bottle until only one drop falls into the pouch your lower eyelid created.
For two to three minutes, softly close your eyes while tilting your head to the floor. Avoid blinking, shifting your eyeball, or firmly closing your eyelids.
One finger should be used to gently push the inner corner of the eye while your eye is closed. This prevents the drug from entering your mouth or throat or leaking into your nasal passages.
Wipe away any extra liquid from the area around your eyes with a tissue or another cloth.
Wrapping Up
Wait for at least five to ten minutes after administering the first drop before administering a second eye drop into the same eye.
Reattach the bottle’s cap. Avoid touching or attempting to clean the dropper tip.
To get rid of any medicine on your hands, wash them.
Keep the bottle as your doctor or pharmacist recommends, the label, or both.
Dos and Don’ts
Do’s
Do know how long after opening the container your eye drops may be using without risk. Enquire with your pharmacist about the expiry date of any prescription eye drops. Observe the label’s expiry date for over-the-counter drops.
Use your eye meds in the correct sequence if you’re taking two different kinds. Use the eye solution first if you’re using both an eye solution and an eye suspension. Next, apply the rest. The distinctions between these drugs may be explain to you by your doctor or pharmacist. Use the eye drops first if you use both eye drops and an ointment. Apply the cream after at least 10 minutes have passed.
Remember that after applying an eye drop, some liquid will often leak onto the area surrounding your eyes. You do not need another drop as a result.
Don’ts
The dropper tip should not contact your eye or any other surface. The dropper tip might take up bacteria or other germs from any surface, which could lead to an infection in your eye.
Avoid wearing contact lenses when using prescription eye drops until your doctor or pharmacist gives the all-clear. After applying the drops, give yourself at least 15 minutes before putting in your contact lenses. However, there is no need to wait if you use moisturizing eye drops for contact lens wearers.
Don’t let someone else use your eye drops. Germs might be transferring by sharing drops.
Consult your physician
Follow these instructions and any recommendations from the eye drop label, your doctor, or the pharmacist to ensure that your eye drops function well. Following these procedures, you can securely use your prescription or over-the-counter eye drops. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about using your eye drops.