Eye drops are essential for treating a variety of eye conditions like dry eyes, glaucoma, and allergies. However, it can sometimes be challenging to apply them correctly, especially for seniors or those with arthritis. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to help you use eye drops safely and effectively.
1. Prepare and Wash Your Hands
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your eye drops.
- Shake the eye drop bottle if instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Remove the cap without touching the tip of the bottle to avoid contamination.
2. Find a Comfortable Position
- Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling.
- If you find it hard to hold your head back, sit in a chair or use a sofa with a high backrest for support.
3. Create a Pocket for the Eye Drops
- Pull down your lower eyelid with one hand to form a small pocket.
- Hold the bottle just above the pocket and squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the space.
4. Close Your Eyes and Apply Pressure
- After the drop lands, close your eyes gently for at least one minute.
- Press lightly on the inner corner of your eye (next to your nose) with your finger. This prevents the drops from draining into your nose or throat.
5. Wait Between Different Drops
- If you’re using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes between each type to ensure proper absorption.
6. Avoid Contamination
- Don’t let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, eyelid, or skin.
- If the bottle tip touches any surface, it may pick up bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
7. Wipe Away Excess Drops
- If any drops spill out, use a clean tissue to gently wipe the area around your eyes.
8. Wash Your Hands After Use
- After applying your eye drops, wash your hands again to remove any medication that may have come in contact with your skin.
Additional Tips:
- Store your eye drops as instructed—some drops need to be kept in the refrigerator.
- If you struggle with eye drop application, ask your doctor about eye drop guides or assistance tools to help aim and apply the drops accurately.
- Never share your eye drops with others to avoid cross-contamination.
Consider Using an Eye Drop Guide
For more accurate application, particularly if you have difficulty with hand movements or blinking reflex, an eye drop guide can be helpful. Devices like the Remedic Eye Drop Guide keep the bottle steady, ensuring proper drop placement without needing to touch your eye. This can be beneficial for individuals with conditions like arthritis, tremors or reduced hand strength.
Following these simple steps can make administering eye drops easier and more effective, ensuring you get the full benefit of your medication. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about using your eye drops correctly.