How to Use Eye Drops

How to Properly Apply Glaucoma Eye Drops

Glaucoma eye drops to lower intraocular pressure are the most important form of initial treatment for glaucoma. Despite their widespread use, many patients do not know how to apply them correctly. Fortunately, there are several ways to do this effectively. Using a mirror or having someone else give you the eye drops may make this procedure easier.

Application of Glaucoma Eye Drops

Preparation

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Use a mirror or have someone help you apply the drops.
  • Remove the protective cap. Check that the dropper tip is not chipped or cracked.
  • Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or any other surface.
  • Hold the dropper tip downward to prevent contamination of the remaining drops.

Positioning

  • Lie down or tilt your head back.
  • Hold the bottle between your thumb and index finger, placing the dropper tip as close as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
  • Brace the remaining fingers against your cheek or nose.
  • Use the index finger of your other hand to pull the lower eyelid down to form a pocket.

Applying the Drop

  • Drop a single eye drop into the pocket formed by the lower lid and the eye. Avoid placing drops directly on the eyeball.
  • Close your eyelids gently for about two minutes to allow absorption.
  • Try not to blink, as blinking can push the medication into the tear duct and reduce effectiveness.

Blocking Tear Ducts

  • Gently block the tear ducts with your thumb or index finger for two minutes while keeping the eyelids closed to prevent medication from draining into the nose.

Finishing Up

Wash your hands again.

Replace and tighten the dropper cap immediately. Do not wipe or rinse it off.

Wipe any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue.

Using More Than One Eye Drop

If you are using more than one eye drop, you should wait at least 5 minutes before applying the second eye drop to have it absorbed best. The lower lid pocket into which the drop is placed is small and can hold a little more than one drop at a time. Placing more than one drop at a time causes an overflow, and washes the eye drop from the eye.

Bring your eye drops with you every time you have an appointment, your eye doctor will help you learn to use them correctly.