How to put in eye drops? A Step-by-Step Guide

How to put in eye drops? A Step-by-Step Guide

Struggling to put eye drops in? Follow our easy guide for a stress-free and effective application process. Say goodbye to dry eyes, allergies, and infections today!

Whether you're dealing with dry eyes, battling allergies, or fighting off an eye infection, your doctor may have recommended eye drops as part of your treatment. But applying these drops can seem like a daunting task, especially if you're doing it by yourself. You might be wondering, "How to put eye drops in your own eyes? Is there a right or wrong way to do it?" Rest assured, this guide will walk you through every step of the process. From preparing your environment to the correct positioning for application and even aftercare, we've got you covered. Let's demystify this task and make it as simple as possible together.

How to Put in Eye Drops Like a Pro?

Get ready to maximize the benefits of your prescription or over-the-counter eye drops by following these simple steps. 

Read the Instructions: Start by familiarizing yourself with the prescription eye drop guidelines from your eye doctor. They'll tell you the precise number of drops and frequency. Also, make sure to note any other crucial details.

Clean Those Mitts: Before you dive into eye drop application, give your hands a good scrub and use a clean towel to dry them off. This simple step helps maintain good hygiene and prevents any unwanted contamination.

Goggles Out, Contacts Off: If you normally sport contact lenses, remove them before applying eye drops (unless your doctor says otherwise or your drops are contact lens-friendly).

Crack Open That Bottle: Prior to administration, give the eye drop bottle a gentle shake, then remove the cap. Remember to avoid touching the tip, as it can introduce bacteria.

Find Your Spot: Tilt your head back or lie down, peering up at the ceiling. Choose a focal point away from the eye drop bottle to help you concentrate. Keep your eye wide open throughout the process.

Create an Eye Drop Pocket: Place two fingers about an inch under your eye and pull down gently to form a little pocket between your lower eyelid and eyeball. This is where the magic happens!

Apply Those Drops: With the dropper about an inch above the pocket you just formed, squeeze the bottle gently to release the prescribed number of drops into the pocket. Remember, avoid any contact between the bottle and your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes to prevent bacterial transfer.

Shut It Down: After applying the drops, close your eye and gently press your finger on the tear duct at the inner corner of your eye near your nose. Maintain this position for 30 seconds to two minutes. This helps the medicine stay in your eye and allows ample absorption time.

No Blinking, Please: Try your best not to blink immediately after applying the eye drops. Doing so may cause leakage or drainage of the medication.

Allow time before further applications: If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait three to five minutes after applying the first drops before moving on to the next kind. Give each drop its time in the spotlight.

Hand Wash: As a final step, it's always a good idea to wash your hands again to remove any medication that may have accidentally dripped onto your skin.

If you need to put drops in your other eye as well, simply repeat these steps.

How to Put in Eye Drops Without Missing?

Administering eye drops can be a daunting task for many individuals. If you find yourself struggling to put eye drops in, don't worry; there are ways to make the process easier. 

Closed-Eyes Method

If you tend to blink excessively or need to administer eye drops to a child, the closed-eyes method might be beneficial. Follow these easy steps:

Start by lying down with your eyes closed. Then, squeeze the bottle so the eye drop lands in the inner corner of each eye next to your nose. Avoid letting the bottle touch your eye to avoid contamination. Open your eyes to allow the drop to enter your eye. 

If any excess drips onto your face, use a clean tissue to wipe it off. Lastly, close your eyes again and gently press on the inner corner of each eye for about two minutes.

Eye Drop Dispenser

These devices are designed to make administering eye drops easier for people who have shaky hands or a weak grip. By attaching the device to the eye drop bottle, you can use it to position the bottle tip over your eye, making sure that the drop goes where it’s supposed to. 

Studies have shown that people who use an eye drop aid are more successful at putting in eye drops than those who use the bottle alone. Moreover, these devices also help prevent contamination of the bottle tip.

Eye Drops: Best Practices for Safe and Effective Use

Dos:

  • Before and after using eye medication, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.

  • Take out your contact lenses before administering eye drops for optimal results.

  • After applying eye drops, keep your eyes closed for up to two minutes. Gently press on your eyelid to ensure the drop remains in your eye.

Don't:

  • Refrain from touching the dropper with your hands, and ensure it doesn't touch your eye or eyelid. This will prevent bacteria from contaminating the bottle and your drops.

  • After applying your eye medication, try to avoid blinking excessively. Frequent blinking can cause your eye to drain the drops away before they have a chance to take effect.

  • Refrain from using multiple types of eye drops simultaneously. Instead, wait at least three to five minutes between each application to prevent them from being mixed together.

  • Resist the urge to add extra drops. If you have followed the prescribed dosage instructions, the recommended number of drops should be sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use Eye Drops With Contacts?

Ideally, before applying eye drops, it's recommended to take out your contact lenses. However, if that's not feasible, consider using preservative-free drops designed specifically for contact lens wearers.

Can You Use Contact Solution As Eye Drops?

It's best to stick to the intended purpose of contact solution – cleaning and storing your contact lenses. If you find yourself without eye drops, consult your eye doctor before using contact solution as a substitute.

Do Eye Drops Expire?

Yes, eye drops do expire. Whether you use Blink eye drops or Similasan eye drops, it's important to check the expiration date on the packaging and dispose of any expired drops. Using expired eye drops can potentially be harmful and may not provide the intended benefits. Consult with your doctor if you need a new prescription for eye drops.

Can You Use Expired Eye Drops?

Yes, eye drops do have an expiration date. Prioritize checking the packaging for the expiration date and dispose of any expired drops. Using outdated eye drops can potentially harm your eyes and may not deliver the desired benefits. If you need a new prescription for eye drops, consult your doctor.

What Happens If You Drink Eye Drops?

In general, it's not advisable to use expired eye drops. Over time, the effectiveness and safety of the medication can diminish, potentially causing more harm than good. Properly dispose of expired eye drops and consult your doctor for a new prescription if necessary. However, if you have no alternative and require immediate relief, carefully assess the expiration date and consult your doctor before using them.

Conclusion

Knowing how to put in drops properly can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique and careful attention, it's an easy task to master. Remember always to use intended products for their designated purpose and dispose of expired items. If you have any concerns or questions about using eye drops, consult your eye doctor for professional advice. Let's keep our eyes healthy and happy.

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