How To Apply Eye Drops
Eye drops are used to treat different conditions that affect the eyes. You can apply eye drops to treat itchy eyes, dry eyes and glaucoma. Eye drops are great as a treatment but frustrating when trying to get down the right method. Some people have problems with getting the eye drops in their eyes which leads to not getting the right dosage of medication. Learn how to apply eye drops to prevent wasting the medication.
Things You’ll Need:
- Soap
- Towel
- Eye drops
Instructions:
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Dry them with a clean towel.
- Read the instructions on the bottle. Most over-the-counter eyedrops don’t need to be shaken before using. If the instructions on the bottle say shake before using, then you should shake the bottle.
- Prepare to apply the drops by holding back the head. Loosen or unscrew the cap on the bottle.
- Lower the eyelid with your free hand. This motion creates a pocket at the base of the eye.
- Hold the eyelid and the tip of the eyedropper above the pocket. The eyedropper should not be touching the eye. Roll the eyes back toward the head and squeeze in the eye drops. Keep a paper towel handy to catch any excess that may roll out of the eye.
- Close the eye for a minute and blink several times. You want to distribute the eye drop over the eye.
- Follow directions on the bottle for prescription eyedrops. If the doctor prescribed certain drops for treating your eye condition, then follow the written instructions on the bottle or prescription. People with dry eyes can use eyedrops whenever the eyes feel itchy or dry.