Eye drops are frequently needed for managing conditions from dry eyes to glaucoma, and their effectiveness relies heavily on proper administration. Many people find placing drops difficult or intimidating, which can lead to medication being wasted or not working as intended. Learning the correct technique ensures the medication reaches the intended surface, maximizes absorption, and minimizes the risk of contamination.
Essential Preparation Steps
The process should begin with meticulous attention to hygiene to prevent the introduction of foreign particles or bacteria into the eye. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them completely before touching the bottle. This step is paramount for preventing infection.
Before opening the bottle, check the expiration date and inspect the dropper tip for any cracks or debris. If the medication is a suspension, such as a steroid or antibiotic, shake the bottle gently to ensure the active ingredients are evenly mixed.
Find a comfortable position, such as sitting with your head tilted back or lying flat on your back, to make use of gravity during application.
The Proper Application Technique
To administer the drop, look upward and use the index finger of your non-dominant hand to gently pull down your lower eyelid. This creates a small pocket, known as the conjunctival sac, which is the target area for the medication.
Holding the bottle upside down with your dominant hand, position the dropper tip over the eye without letting it touch the eye surface, eyelid, or eyelashes. Rest the wrist of the hand holding the bottle against your forehead for stabilization.
Gently squeeze the bottle to release a single drop into the created pocket. A single drop is sufficient because the eye can only hold a small volume, and a second drop will overflow and be wasted. Once the drop is administered, immediately release the lower eyelid.
Post-Application Steps and Safety
Immediately after the drop enters the eye, close your eye gently for one to three minutes to allow the medication time to spread and absorb. Avoid blinking rapidly or squeezing the eyelids shut, as this action can pump the medication away from the eye’s surface and into the tear drainage system.
To enhance absorption and reduce systemic side effects, apply light pressure to the inner corner of the eyelid, near the bridge of the nose, for at least 60 seconds. This technique, called punctal occlusion, blocks the tear ducts and prevents the drug from draining prematurely into the nose and throat, where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Use a clean tissue to blot any excess liquid that overflowed onto the skin around the eye. If you are using multiple types of eye drops, wait at least five minutes between each distinct medication to prevent the second drop from washing out the first one.