Eyedrops

To use eyedrops, tilt your head back, and pull the lower eyelid down with one or two fingers to create a pouch. Gently squeeze the dropper to put a drop in the pouch. Close the eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drop absorb. If you are putting more than 1 drop in your eye, wait at least 5 minutes between eyedrops.

For younger children, have the child lie down with the eyes closed. Place an eyedrop in the inner corner of the eye. When the eye opens, the drop will run in.

Take these safety precautions when using eyedrops:

• Wash your hands well before and after inserting the drops. If possible, wear disposable gloves when you insert drops into someone else's eyes.
• Be sure the dropper is clean and does not touch the eye, eyelid, lashes, or any surface.
• If the dropper touches the eye, do not put the dropper back in the bottle. A new dropper can be purchased at a drugstore.
• If you touch the bottle tip to the eye or the area around the eye, call your pharmacy and arrange to get another bottle of eye medicine.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
Last Revised	January 25, 2013