Eye drops are used to treat various conditions, from dryness and allergies to infections and glaucoma. Effective treatment relies heavily on accurate application, ensuring the medication reaches the ocular surface as intended. Proper technique also minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria or contaminants into the eye. Learning the correct procedure for self-administering drops improves therapeutic outcomes and protects eye health.
Preparing for Safe Application
Before handling the medication, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This removes microorganisms that could be transferred to the bottle tip or the eye, preventing infection. Next, inspect the container to verify the expiration date and check the dropper tip for damage. Never use drops that appear cloudy, have changed color, or contain visible particles, unless the medication is a suspension that requires shaking.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying most types of eye drops, especially those containing preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK). These preservatives can bind to soft lenses and accumulate, potentially causing irritation or damage. Unless your physician explicitly directs you to leave them in, wait at least 15 minutes after application before reinserting them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Administration
The process begins by finding a comfortable position, typically sitting or standing, and tilting your head backward so your face is parallel to the ceiling. This upward angle uses gravity to help the drop settle in the eye and prevents it from immediately draining away. Steadying the hand holding the bottle by resting your wrist or forearm against your forehead minimizes movement and ensures accuracy.
Use the index finger of your non-dominant hand to gently pull your lower eyelid down, creating a small pouch or pocket between the lid and the eyeball. This conjunctival sac is the target area for the medication, as it temporarily holds the liquid. Avoid touching the surface of the eye or the lashes during this maneuver to prevent reflexive blinking or contamination.
Position the bottle directly above the pocket and look upward toward your eyebrows or the ceiling, directing the eyeball away from the dropper tip. Carefully squeeze the bottle to release a single drop into the lower eyelid pocket. Deliver only one drop, as the conjunctival sac typically holds about 25 to 30 microliters of fluid, while most drops deliver 40 to 50 microliters.
Releasing more than one drop at a time wastes medication and increases the likelihood of side effects due to systemic absorption. The tip of the dropper bottle must not make contact with your eye, eyelid, or lashes at any point. Contact with the eye area can introduce bacteria into the sterile solution, potentially leading to an ocular infection. If the dropper tip touches any surface, the entire bottle should be discarded immediately to maintain sterility.
Post-Application Care and Troubleshooting
Once the drop has landed, immediately release the lower lid and gently close your eye, avoiding the urge to squeeze the lids tightly shut. Squeezing can force the medication out of the conjunctival sac, reducing absorption by the ocular tissue. Keep the eye closed for one to two minutes to maximize absorption.
During this closed-eye period, press lightly with a clean finger on the inner corner of the eye, near the bridge of the nose. This technique, known as punctual occlusion, temporarily closes the tear drainage system that leads into the nasal cavity and throat. Preventing drainage helps reduce systemic absorption, which can cause unwanted side effects like a bitter taste or heart rate changes.
The blinking reflex is a common challenge that can cause the drop to miss the eye entirely. If you miss the target, wait about five seconds and attempt administration again. If using more than one type of eye drop, wait a minimum of five minutes between applications. This pause ensures the first drop is fully absorbed and not washed away by the second, maintaining the appropriate drug concentration for each treatment. Finally, use a clean tissue to wipe away any excess liquid spilled onto the cheek or eyelid.