When using eye drops, a common question is how long to keep eyes closed after application. Proper technique is important for their effectiveness, ensuring the medication works as intended.
The Purpose of Eye Closure
Closing the eyes after applying eye drops serves several functions. It prevents the medication from draining too quickly from the eye’s surface. The tear ducts, located in the inner corner of the eye, lead directly into the nasal passages and throat. Rapid drainage through these ducts reduces the amount of medication that remains on the eye.
Eye closure also allows sufficient contact time between the medication and the eye’s surface. This promotes better absorption of active ingredients into ocular tissues, maximizing local therapeutic effects. It also minimizes systemic absorption into the bloodstream, reducing the likelihood of unwanted effects.
Recommended Closure Time and Method
After applying eye drops, gently close your eyes for one to five minutes, with two to three minutes often recommended. This allows the medication to absorb without being washed away by blinking or tears. Close your eyes gently, avoiding forceful squeezing or excessive blinking, which can pump the medication out.
An additional technique to enhance medication absorption and reduce systemic exposure is nasolacrimal occlusion. This involves gently pressing a finger to the inner corner of the eyelid, near the bridge of the nose, immediately after applying the drop. This blocks the tear ducts, keeping the medication on the eye’s surface longer, improving its local effect and preventing it from entering the bloodstream.
What Happens Without Proper Closure
Failing to close the eyes or doing so improperly after applying eye drops can diminish medication’s intended benefits. If the eyes are not kept gently closed or if excessive blinking occurs, the eye drops may drain too quickly from the eye’s surface. This rapid washout reduces the contact time between the medication and the ocular tissues, leading to insufficient absorption and potentially decreased efficacy of the treatment. The medication may not have enough time to penetrate the eye adequately, meaning the condition being treated might not improve as expected.
When eye drops drain rapidly through the tear ducts into the nasal passages and throat, a greater amount of the medication can be absorbed into the systemic circulation. This systemic absorption can lead to unwanted effects in other parts of the body, which can range from mild to more significant, depending on the specific medication. For example, certain eye drops, such as beta-blockers used for glaucoma, can affect the cardiovascular system if absorbed systemically.
Addressing Common Challenges
Applying eye drops effectively can present some challenges, but practical solutions exist. For individuals who find it difficult to keep their eyes closed, such as young children or those with tremors, using a mirror or lying down can sometimes help stabilize the head and improve aim. If multiple types of eye drops are prescribed, it is generally recommended to wait between three to five minutes between applications of different medications. This waiting period prevents the second drop from washing out the first, allowing each medication sufficient time to be absorbed.
It is always important to follow the specific instructions provided by a healthcare provider or on the medication packaging, as some eye drops may have unique requirements. Avoiding rubbing the eyes immediately after applying drops is also advised, as this can dislodge the medication. If hands are shaky, bracing the hand holding the bottle with the non-dominant hand can provide stability.