Before instilling your Eye Drops

• Always check the label on your eye drop container before instilling your drops. Make sure they have not expired.
  
• Make sure you have the correct eye drop and it is the correct time of day to instil it.
  
• If you wear contact lenses — remove them at least 15 minutes beforehand. You can then replace your contact lenses 15 minutes after the drops have been instilled.
  
• Always wash your hands before handling your eye drops or touching your eyes.
  
• Shake the drops vigorously before using them.
  
• Remove the cap of the eye drop medication. Do not touch the dropper tip.
  

Putting in Eye Drops

• Tilt your head back slightly and look up. Some people find it helpful to focus on a specific point on the ceiling.
  
• Use one hand to pull your lower eyelid down, away from the eye. This forms a pocket to catch the drop.
  
• Hold the dropper tip directly over the eyelid pocket. You may want to rest that hand on your forehead to keep your hand steady.
  
• Squeeze the bottle gently and let the eye drop fall into the pocket.
  
• Don’t touch the bottle to your eye or eyelid. This can give bacteria or other contaminants a chance to grow in your eye drops.
  

After You’ve Put in Eye Drops

• Close your eyes and do not blink.
  
• Press the tip of your finger against the inside corner of the closed eye, applying gentle pressure over the tear ducts, where the eyelid meets the nose.
  
• Hold the tear ducts closed for a minute or two before opening your eyes. This gives the drop time to be absorbed by the eye, instead of draining into your nose.
  
• Wipe any unabsorbed drops from your closed lids with a tissue.
  
• Repeat the same procedure with the other eye, if necessary.
  
• Wash your hands after handling medication and touching your face.
  
• If you have a number of different eye drops to administer, leave at least 5 minutes between each different drop.