subject: How To Use Eye Drops Properly [print this page] If you need to use eye drops for dry eyes, allergies or some other eye condition, then you need to understand the proper way to use them. There are many risks that can come from misusing eye drops. It is possible to injury your eye or to get an infection if you are not using them the right way. Additionally, not using eye drops correctly could mean you are not getting an effective treatment and that you may not be getting any benefit from them.
Basic Safety:
When using drops it is very important to keep the eye dropper sanitary. Most eye drops will come in a bottle that has the dropper built in. You should avoid touching the tip of the dropper with your hands. Also avoid touching your eye or any part of your eye with the dropper. This will make the dropper unsanitary and could possible injury your eye or cause infection.
You also should wash your hands before touching your eye to insert the eye drops. You do not want to get debris in your eye or transfer bacteria which can lead to an infection. Always be cautious and wash your hands before you open the eye drops and begin the process of inserting them into the eye.
Instructions for Proper Use:
There are several steps involved in properly inserting eye drops into the eye. To begin you will wash your hands and remove contact lenses, if needed. Then you will remove the lid from the eye drops and get ready to insert them. Always tilt your head back and hold open the eye so that there is a pocket in the bottom eye lid where you can insert the drops. Use the eye drops as directed by inserting one or two drops into the pocket in the eye.
After you insert the drops, close your eyes and press lightly on the bridge of the nose, next to the eye. Doing this helps to keep the drops from flushing out of the eye. Do this for about a minute or so. Dab away any drops that have leaked from the eye and then open your eyes. You can then repeat the process on the other eye, if necessary. If you have trouble inserting eye drops then you may want to discuss this with your doctor, who may be able to give tips on using the eye drops.
Eye drops can be used for all types of eye care. They are often used to treat dry eyes or allergies, but can also be used as a treatment for more serious conditions, like glaucoma. For many people, using eye drops daily is the only way to keep conditions and problems at bay. If you must use eye drops as a part of your daily eye care routine then it is important to understand how to use them safely and properly. This will allow you to keep your eyes healthy, while also ensuring that you are getting the most benefit from the drops and not harming your eye in the process.
