Inserting a foreign object into the eye is not easy, as well as when you need to use eye drops. Eye drops are sold over-the-counter to treat red eyes, allergies, irritation, mild dry eyes, while those that are useful for treating severe dry eyes to glaucoma infections can be purchased by prescription. Regardless of the reason for using eye drops, you must understand the correct technique to use them safely and effectively, both in your own eyes and in the eyes of others.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Using Drops in Your Own Eyes
Step 1. Wash your hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Make sure you wash the area between your fingers and at least all the way up your forearm from the wrist and forearm.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel.
Step 2. Read the user manual
Make sure you really understand the instructions on the package or the instructions given by your doctor.
- Identify the eye to treat and know how many drops you should give each time. (Usually only 1 drop because the eye can only hold a volume of less than 1 drop of fluid).
- Look at the clock to make sure it's the right time, or record the current time so you know when the next drip is needed.
Step 3. Check the eye drops
Look at the liquid in the container carefully.
- Make sure that nothing floats in it (unless the eye drops are supposed to contain particles).
- Make sure the product has “ophthalmic” written on the label. Sometimes, people have difficulty distinguishing ear drops labeled "otic" from eye drops.
- Check the container to make sure it is not damaged. Check the ends without touching. Make sure there is no damage or discoloration.
Step 4. Also check the expiration date
Do not use eye drops that have expired.
- Eye drops contain preservatives to help keep the fluid free of bacteria. However, after the expiration date has passed, the product remains at risk of contamination.
- Some types of eye drops should only be used within 30 days of opening the container. Make sure you ask your doctor or pharmacist how long the product can be used after opening.
Step 5. Clean the eye area
Use a clean cloth to gently wipe any dirt or sweat from the eye area.
- If possible, use a sterile dressing material, such as a 2x2 cm pad, to clean the area around the eye.
- Use each pad or cloth only once, then throw it away.
- Drops of water on a cloth or pad can help remove any hardened or lumpy material around the eyes.
- If the eye becomes infected, wash your hands again after cleaning all materials before applying the medicine.
Step 6. Shake the bottle gently
Don't be loud.
- Shake the bottle gently, or roll it between your hands. Make sure the eye drops are mixed well. Some of these medications contain particles, so a shake will even out things.
- Remove the cap from the bottle and place it in a clean area, such as on a dry, dirt-free towel.
Step 7. Avoid touching the end of the container
When preparing to drip medication, be careful at every step not to touch the eye, including the eyelashes, with the tip of the container.
- Touching the tip of the container to the eye can spread germs into the eye drops, thereby contaminating the medicine.
- By continuing to use contaminated eye drops, you run the risk of reinfecting your eye.
- If you accidentally touch the tip of the container in your eye, wipe it with a 70% isopropyl alcohol pad to sterilize it, or buy a new bottle and tell your doctor you need extra stock.
Step 8. Place your thumbs over your eyebrows
Place it on the skin just above the brow area while holding the container in your hand. This helps balance it out as you drip the medication.
Position the eye drop container about inch (1.85 cm) above the lower eyelid to help avoid accidentally touching the eye area
Step 9. Push your head back
With your head tilted up, gently pull the lower eyelid down using your index finger.
- Pulling the eyelid down will help create a space, or pocket, that can hold the eye medication.
- Gaze at a certain point above you. Focus on an area on the ceiling or something above you and keep your eyes open. This can help to avoid blinking eyes.
Step 10. Press the bottle
Gently press the eye medication bottle until a drop of the medication enters the bag from the lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes but don't tighten them. Leave it for at least two to three minutes.
- Bow your head forward as if you were going to stare at the floor. Keep both eyes closed for two to three minutes.
- Gently press on the tear glands, which are located on the inside of the eye, for 30 to 60 seconds. This trick helps keep the medication in the eye area, so it doesn't go down the back of your throat and make you feel it.
- Use a clean tissue to absorb any fluid that has accumulated on the outside of the eye or the top of the cheek.
Step 11. Wait five minutes before dripping a second time
If your prescription requires more than one drop for each dose, wait five minutes before you take a second drip. This is important so that the first drops are absorbed. If you do it directly, the second drop will rinse out the first drop before it gets absorbed.
If you are going to put the medicine in both eyes, continue to do it in the other eye. Leave it on for about two to three minutes after closing your eyes for the recommended amount of time
Step 12. Put the lid on the container
Put it back in place without touching the tip of the medicine bottle.
- Don't wipe the edges and don't let them touch anything. Drops must be free from substances that cause contamination.
- Wash your hands to kill germs or clean the remnants of medicine.
Step 13. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before dripping again
If your doctor prescribes more than one medication, wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before using the next medication.
In some cases, ophthalmic ointment is also prescribed along with eye drops. Use the eye drops first, then wait 10 to 15 minutes before applying the eye ointment
Step 14. Store eye drops properly
Generally, these drugs should be stored at room temperature, while others should be stored in a cooler environment.
- Many prescription eye drops must be stored in the refrigerator. Make sure you know how to store your medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
- Do not store eye drops in an area exposed to direct sunlight.
Step 15. Pay attention to the calendar
Although the manufacturer's expiration date may not have passed, some medications should be discarded within four weeks of opening.
- Note the date when you first opened the medicine container.
- Check with your pharmacist or check your medication guide to determine if your medication should be discarded and replaced within four weeks of opening.
Part 2 of 3: Knowing the Right Time to Seek Medical Help
Step 1. Call your doctor if you experience any unexpected symptoms
If you experience signs such as pain or very watery eyes, tell your doctor.
Other conditions that require you to call your doctor include vision changes, red or swollen eyes, and if you have pus or unusual discharge from any part of the eye
Step 2. Watch your symptoms
If your condition does not improve, or if your symptoms get worse, tell your doctor.
If you are being treated for an infection, watch out for symptoms in the other eye. Tell your doctor if you start to see evidence that the infection has spread
Step 3. Watch for allergic reactions
If your skin starts showing changes such as a rash or hives, you have trouble breathing, feel your throat or chest tighten, this means you may be suffering from an allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction is a medical emergency. Call 112 or seek medical attention as soon as possible. Don't drive alone to the hospital
Step 4. Rinse both eyes
If you have an allergic reaction to the drops, rinse your eyes with an eye cleanser/wash product.
- If you don't have a product like this on hand, use plain water to rinse off the drops to prevent further absorption.
- Tilt your head to the side, keep your eyes open, and allow clean water to rinse any remaining drops from your eyes.
Part 3 of 3: Dropping Medicine in Children's Eyes
Step 1. Wash both hands
Make sure you clean your hands thoroughly, such as when putting medicine in your own eyes.
Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel
Step 2. Check the drops
Before preparing a child, make sure your product is right, you know which eye to treat, and what dose to take. Sometimes, medication may have to be placed in both eyes.
- Look for particles that may float in the drug mixture, look at the expiration date, and make sure your product has an ophthalmic label on it.
- Make sure the container is not damaged and the edges look clean and do not change color. Do not wipe or touch these edges.
- Shake the container gently to make sure the contents are properly mixed.
Step 3. Prepare your child
Explain what you will do. Talk to the child and tell him that you are going to put some medicine in his eye.
- You may need to drip a small dose of medication down your child's back so he can see that it won't hurt him.
- Let your child watch you put the medicine in your own eye or another adult's eye. Make sure to close the container tightly when you pretend to do this.
Step 4. Hold the child gently
Usually, eye drops for a child require the presence of two adults. One will hold the child gently and keep his hand from covering his eyes.
- Be careful that the child is not afraid. When he is old enough to understand, let him know that he should keep his hands away from his eyes. Consider asking your child for a decision on how best to make sure he doesn't feel trapped.
- Suggest that the child sits on both hands or lies on his or her arms. The assisting adult should also help keep the child's hands away from his eyes, and make sure the child's head is in the most relaxed position possible.
- Work as safely as possible to minimize the stress and anxiety your child feels.
Step 5. Clean the child's eyes
Make sure the eyes are not dirty and free of deposition material, dust, or sweat.
- If necessary, gently wipe the eye with a clean cloth or sterile material. Wipe from the inside of the eye to the outside.
- Discard the cloth or rag after use. Don't keep using it repeatedly.
Step 6. Ask the child to look up
Holding or hanging a toy may be helpful to help him focus.
- With the eyes looking up, gently pull the lower eyelid, and place one drop of the medicine in the bag that has been made.
- Lift the lower lid so the child can close his eyes. Ask him to keep his eyes closed for a few minutes. Gently press on the tear gland to keep the fluid in it for as long as possible.
- In some cases, you may have to hold your upper and lower eyelids open while you drip the medicine.
Step 7. Avoid touching the container to the eyes
Do not let all parts of the eye, including eyelashes, touch the tip of the container.
Touching the tip of the container to your eye allows germs to enter the medicine, thereby contaminating the vial and all contents
Step 8. Put the lid back on
Do this to avoid touching the ends of the container with any material.
- Do not wipe or try to clean the edges. This action can cause the fluid inside the eye to become contaminated.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after putting the medicine in your child's eyes.
Step 9. Praise the child
Let him know that he did well to help treat his eye.
- Even if his behavior isn't very cooperative, still give him credit for helping. In this way, praise will make it easier to administer the medication the next time around.
- Giving a kind of gift can be given in the form of verbal praise.
Step 10. Try another method
For children who are always bothered by the use of eye drops, consider using another method.
- Realizing that this method does not provide the same level of exposure to the eye when compared to other treatments makes it a better way.
- Lay the child flat, close his eyes, then drop the medicine in the inner corner of the eye, namely the area of the tear gland.
- Ask the child to open their eyes and the medicine will roll in them.
- Then, ask your child to close their eyes for two to three minutes and gently press on the tear gland area.
- Tell the pediatrician that this is the only way to give the medicine. He or she may adjust the prescription or allow more than one drop at each dose, as less medicine gets into the eye.
- Do not give the drug in excessive doses without confirming it with your doctor first. Using more than recommended can cause irritation, or sometimes, a mild burning sensation because the drops contain preservatives.
Step 11. Wrap the baby who will be given eye drops
Infants or toddlers may need to be wrapped securely in a blanket to make it easier to administer eye drops.
- Wrapping your baby's body will help keep his arm in a secure position so he can't touch his eye while you're dripping the medicine.
- You may need to keep both lids open in very young babies, especially if they can't focus on an object when you touch their lower lids.
Step 12. Offer a bottle of milk or breast milk
After dripping the medicine, offer something to help the baby feel relieved.
Breastfeeding or bottle feeding right after the drop can help soothe the baby
Tips
- Do not use drops designed to treat a specific eye condition while you are wearing contact lenses. Although some moisturizing drops are designed to be used with contact lenses, many of these products can damage them or irritate the eyes.
- If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor or pharmacist about any eye drops you want to use. Make sure you are clear on how to properly use the product with contact lenses, or if you need to avoid contact lenses for a certain period of time while using eye drops.
- If you use both ophthalmic drops and ointment, always apply the drops first.
- If you have trouble getting the medication into your eye, try lying flat so that your head doesn't move.
- Consider doing it in front of a mirror. Some people find it easier to drip medication while using a mirror.
- Never use drops that were prescribed for, or have already been used by someone else. Do not allow anyone to use your drops.
