Applying eye drops to an open eye often causes stress, blinking, and results in medication spilling down the cheek, especially for those with a strong blink reflex. Many wonder if there is an easier alternative. You can apply eye drops to a closed eye, but this technique is effective only when performed correctly. It is often used as a last resort for patients who cannot tolerate standard application, relying on the eye’s natural anatomy to draw the liquid in once the eye is opened.
The Science of Delivery: How Drops Reach the Eye
This application method works due to the delicate anatomy at the eyelid margin. The eye’s natural drainage system includes two tiny openings, called the lacrimal puncta, located in the inner corner of the upper and lower eyelids near the nose. These puncta channel excess tears and liquids into the tear duct and then into the nasal passages. When a drop is placed on the closed eyelid near the inner corner, it pools against the small gap between the lids. Upon opening the eye, the liquid is drawn onto the ocular surface through capillary action. This process allows the liquid to flow in narrow spaces, effectively guiding the drop to make contact with the cornea.
Step-by-Step Guide for Closed-Eye Application
To correctly use this method, the person receiving the drops should ideally be lying down or have their head tilted back comfortably. This position utilizes gravity to help the liquid collect in the correct spot. The person administering the drop should place a single drop onto the inner corner of the closed eyelid, right next to the bridge of the nose. It is important to avoid touching the dropper tip to the eyelid to prevent contamination. After a few seconds, the person should slowly open their eye and blink gently a few times. This action draws the liquid from the corner and spreads it across the surface of the eye.
When Is Closed-Eye Application Recommended?
The primary reason to use the closed-eye method is to overcome patient difficulties with standard application. This technique is often recommended for treating young children who may be uncooperative or unable to hold their eyes open during drop administration. It removes the fear and reflex of flinching that often causes a drop to miss the mark entirely. Individuals who experience severe eye anxiety or a condition called blepharospasm, which causes involuntary eyelid twitching, may also find this technique helpful. Patients with physical limitations, such as those with arthritis or a tremor, may find it easier to accurately place the drop on a stable, closed eyelid.
Medications That Must Be Applied Directly
While the closed-eye method is an excellent alternative for non-medicated drops like artificial tears or saline solutions, it should be approached with caution for prescription medications. Many medicated drops require a precise concentration of the drug on the corneal surface to achieve the intended therapeutic effect. The closed-eye technique may result in an inconsistent dosage because some medication might drain down the cheek or into the tear duct before reaching the eye’s surface. This is a concern for treatments like glaucoma medication, which relies on precise dosing to maintain safe intraocular pressure. For these medications, inconsistent delivery can lead to under-dosing, compromising the treatment’s effectiveness. Patients should always consult with their prescribing doctor or pharmacist before using the closed-eye technique for any medicated eye drops.