Patient's Guide to Eye Drops

Using Eye Drops:
  • Wash your hands and sit or stand in front of a mirror.
  • Take off the top of the bottle. The fingers should never touch the tip of eye dropper to avoid contamination.
  • Bend your head backwards and gently pull your lower eyelid down.
  • Hold the dropper above one Eye and squeeze one drop inside the lower eyelid. Try not to touch your Eye, Eyelashes, or anything else with the dropper tip.
  • Keep your Eyes closed for around 30 seconds
  • Repeat in the other Eye if the drop is prescribed for both Eyes
  • If you are prescribed more than one drop, or need to put in another type of drop, wait for 5 minutes before putting a second drop into the Eye.
Dr. parul sharma

Pull lower lid down and instill one eye drop

Dr. parul sharma

Pull lower lid down ask patient to look up and put single eye drop in lower fornix

Some points about eye drops:
  • Eye-Drops are sterile ( free from bacteria ) before the bottle top is opened. Once it is opened:
  • Keep the bottle closed in a cool, dark place ( unless otherwise advised ).
  • Do not let the dropper or dropper nozzle touch your Eye, Fingers, or any other Surface. This is to keep it free from bacteria .
  • If the drops are milky, do not forget to shake them before using
  • Do not let anyone else use your drops, and do not use anyone else's drops yourself.
  • Throw out the bottle ( and get a new one if required ) after the recommended time. This is usually 4 weeks after first opening the bottle. There is a risk that the drops may become infected if they are kept and used for longer than advised. ( One tip is to write the date that you opened the bottle on the label so you will know when it is time to throw it out. )
  • You may get a taste of Eye Drops in your mouth, or a feeling that the drops are running down your throat. This is normal as the tear duct which drains tears to your nose will also drain some of the Eye Drop. To avoid this ask your doctor how to do punctal occlusion
  • Some Eye Drops sting or irritate for a short while.
  • Rarely, some people are allergic to some Eye Drops. Tell your doctor if Eye Symptoms become worse after using Eye Drops.
  • Do not wear contact lenses whilst using Eye Drops unless otherwise advised. The preservative in them may harm the lens and cause discoloration
  • Few preservatives free Eye Drops are avalilable which can be put while Contact Lens are in the Eye
  • Keep the drops out of children's reach.
Before seeing the Doctor, prepare yourself briefly to gain the maximum out of the visit
  • Remember to bring a list of all your medications.
  • If your history is complicated, old medical records or a report from your previous Doctor can be invaluable.
  • If you anticipate that the Doctor will dilate your pupils ( ask about this at the time you schedule the appointment ), plan on not driving for few hours after the examination.
  • Mentally run through the questions you have in mind to ask related to your disease
  • Do not hesitate to clear all your doubts before you leave the clinic