How to use your eye drops
Written by Helen Marshall, pharmacist
What are eye drops?
Eye drops are a sterile solution or suspension of medicine. They are used to produce a local effect directly on the eye.
How to use your eye drops
If your eye drops are a suspension, the label will remind you to shake the bottle before using the drops.
Wash your hands.
Sit in front of a mirror so you can see what you are doing.
Wipe your eyes with a clean tissue to clear any residual wateriness or discharge.
Take the lid off the bottle.
Tip your head back.
Gently pull down your lower eyelid and look up.
Hold the dropper or bottle above the eye and gently squeeze one drop onto the inside of the lower eyelid, taking care not to touch the eye or eyelashes with the dropper or bottle.
Blink your eyes so the liquid spreads over the surface of the eyeball.
Wipe away any excess liquid with a clean tissue.
Repeat this procedure for the other eye if you have been advised to do so by your doctor or pharmacist.
Replace the lid of the bottle.
Take care not to touch the tip of the bottle or dropper with your fingers. If the dropper is separate don't put it down on any surface.
If you have more than one drop to put in, or are using more than one type of eye drop, wait about five minutes before putting the next drop in. This ensures the second drop won't wash away the first.
Other useful advice
Some people find it easier to have someone else put their eye drops in for them.
Do not share eye drops with other people.
CONTACT LENSES: if you normally wear contact lenses, don't wear them while using eye drops unless your doctor, pharmacist or optician has told you otherwise. This is because some eye drops contain substances that are absorbed by the contact lens, which can cause adverse reactions in the eye. In general, if your eye drops contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride, you should not wear your contact lenses until the course of drops is finished.
Certain eye drops can cause a temporary blurring of sight immediately after putting the drops into the eye. You should not drive or operate any hazardous machines until your sight is clear.
Some people may find their eyes sting immediately after use. This will normally only be for a short time. If the irritation is severe or if the eye drops seem to make your symptoms worse, discuss the matter with your doctor or pharmacist. If you notice anything unusual, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
PREGNANCY and BREASTFEEDING: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before using eye drops. This is because medicines can be absorbed into the bloodstream after application to the eye. You can minimise the amount of medicine absorbed into your bloodstream by pressing on the tear duct while putting in the drops, and for a few minutes after. The tear duct is at the corner of the eye closest to your nose.
STORAGE: some (but not all) eye drops need to be stored in the fridge. Check that you know where to store your eye drops.
EXPIRY: never use your eye drops after the expiry date as they may be contaminated with dirt or bacteria. Eye drops that contain a preservative should be thrown away four weeks after opening, and most of those that don't should be thrown away one week after opening. Follow the printed instructions given with your drops. Write the date you open your eye drops on the bottle so you know when to throw them away.
Once you have finished the treatment course, carefully dispose of any remaining drops, or return them to your pharmacist for disposal.
If you miss a dose of your eye drops, take the dose as soon as you remember, and then go on as before.
Always use the drops according to the printed label or as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Always keep medicines out of the reach of children.
Eye drops must not be taken by mouth. If you or someone else accidentally takes your medicine by mouth, contact your doctor, pharmacist or nearest hospital straight away.
Devices are available for people with poor eyesight or arthritis to help them use their eye drops. You can find out about these from your pharmacist. Some are available on the NHS and others you may have to buy.
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use
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