Sometimes we need to use eye drops whether we have dry, itchy eyes or a medical condition. For some of us, getting eye drops in our eyes can be a challenge. However, there are simple tips for putting in eye drops to ensure the drops land where they need to!
Follow the instructions.
This may seem like common sense, but sometimes we need a gentle reminder to listen. Follow the directions for use provided by your eye care professional or pharmacist. Read the directions on the bottle as well.
Wash your hands.
Use gentle, mild soap to wash your hands before applying drops. Pat dry.
Tilt your head back.
If you need to, lie down. Otherwise, tilt your head back and look up with both eyes. Use your index or middle finger to gently pull down the lower lid with one hand. With the other hand, place a drop in the lower lid.
Don’t touch the eye with the applicator!
Be careful not to touch your eyes with the tip of eye dropper. Hold the dropper away from your eye.
Keep your eyes closed for a few minutes.
After putting in the drops, keep your eyes closed for a few minutes. This will help disseminate the drops properly. Blink and dab away excess.
If your hands are shaking, try approaching from the side.
Sometimes our hands shake. If this is the case for you when it comes to eye drops, no problem. Our helpful tips for putting in eye drops have you covered!
To help steady your hand, tilt your head to the side. Close both eyes. Place the drop in the corner of the eye closest to the bridge of your nose. Open your eye, and the drop will fall in place.
Ask if the drops can be stored in the fridge.
Sometimes we worry about whether or not we actually got the drop in the eye. A good way to tell is if the drop is cold. You are more likely to feel it.
Don’t forget to wash your hands again once you’ve applied eye drops.
Summary
When it comes to tips for putting in eye drops, we have one more go-to. Finally, ask the eye experts! If you have questions or concerns when it comes to using eye drops, just ask us. Contact us, or make an appointment, on our website. For more on overall vision health and eye care tips, keep reading our blogs.
