Eye Drops: Tips and Tricks!

If you’re afraid of using eye drops, don’t worry — many people share this experience, and you should know it’s completely normal. After all, we are naturally conditioned to protect our eyes from foreign objects, and yes, that includes medical eye drops.

However, even if the fear is valid, you should try not to let it hinder taking the medications you need, especially if they’re for managing dry eyes after LASIK surgery. In truth, many common fears surrounding eye drop medications can be easily managed!

Whether it’s the reflexive jerk from anticipating the droplet hitting your eye or fears about infection, all of it can be managed with a few simple tricks. In this article, we’ll detail these tips so you no longer have to worry about all of that.

Tips for Better Eye Drop Application

Better eye drop application doesn’t require you to have magically steady hands. With a few adjustments in hygiene, hand position, and other things, you can confidently administer eye drop medications accurately and effectively.

Let’s start with the first things first: hand hygiene and medication hygiene.

1. Practice good hand hygiene.

Hand hygiene is the most crucial first step before taking any medication. Washing your hands before administering eye drops prevents infection and contamination.

Proper aseptic handwashing isn’t just about lathering soap on your hands and rinsing after five seconds. So your hands are squeaky clean before you administer your eye drops, here are some steps you must take:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
2. Apply soap and lather your hands by rubbing them together.
3. Scrub all surfaces, including the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails, for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

2. Keep the eye dropper bottle clean.

Keeping your medications clean is just as important as keeping your hands clean. It’s essential to avoid contamination, ensuring that the droplet is clean before it enters your eye. Some storage tips that help achieve this are:

• Always recap the bottle immediately after use.
• Before administration, don’t let the dropper tip touch any surface, including your eye and fingers.
• Store the eye drop bottle in a cool, dry place.
• Do not share your eye drops with others.
• Check the expiration date and discard any old, leftover eye drops.

3. Assume a comfortable and relaxing position.

Get comfortable on a chair or bed to help administer the droplet more effectively.

Lying flat on your back is the easiest way to administer eye droplets. You can avoid tilting your head if that is too uncomfortable. Additionally, it lets you keep your eyes open while looking up and not worry too much about losing balance.

That doesn’t mean, however, that sitting down on a chair and tilting your head back is not equally good. Sitting on a chair is comfortable for others, and they feel supported enough.

4. Use the proper application technique.

If you miss your eyeball a few times, that might mean using an unideal technique. Practice these techniques below, and we guarantee that you’ll be able to aim more accurately:

1. Tilt your head back and look straight up at the ceiling. This position helps prevent the drop from rolling down your face.
2. Create a small pocket with your lower lid by gently pulling it down. This pocket will catch the drop and prevent spillage.
3. Aim the bottle dropper directly above your eye by at least an inch. This position helps the drop land in the eye.
4. Allow ample time for the absorption of the droplet by gently closing your eyes for about 30 seconds.

Additional Tips and Tricks

For those of you with shaky hands or who tend to blink a lot, these tips might help you steady those hands and eyelids.

• Steady your shaky hands by resting your wrist on your cheek or the bridge of your nose for added stability. This technique provides additional support and helps keep your hand steady while applying the drops.
• Focus on a spot at the ceiling before administering the droplet so that you avoid blinking too much. Keeping your focus will distract your attention from the idea that an object is about to hit your eye, consequently inducing your blinking reflex.

Final Thoughts

Applying eye drops correctly is essential for effective treatment and maintaining eye health. Remember to practice good hand hygiene, clean the dropper, assume a comfortable position, and use the proper application technique.

If you experience difficulties or have questions about using eye drops, consult with Dr. Manger and the experts at Saddleback Eye Center for personalized assistance and guidance. Your vision is essential, and ensuring the correct use of eye drops can make a significant difference in your eye care routine.