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.