Tips to Use Eye Medicines Properly

It’s really important to use eye medicines properly to get the most benefit. Looking for the proper ways to use eye medicines? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. This blog contains general advice to use eye medicines. However, your doctor may give you some instructions which may vary from the tips given below. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider, if you have any questions.

Tips to use eye drops or ointments

• Make sure to wash your hands and the area around eyes properly before using eye drops. Use a clean towel to dry them.
• Make sure to shake the eye drop bottle or gently roll the bottle for 30 seconds in your hands.
• Check the dropper to make sure that it’s not cracked or chipped.
• Avoid touching the tip of the dropper as eye drops and droppers must be kept clean. Do not touch the dropper/tip of tube against the eye or anything else.
• Lie down to put eye drops in your eyes or  Have someone help you.
• Look up to the ceiling. Tilt your head back and while doing that pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket. And hold the dropper with other.
• Squeeze the bottle gently and let the eye drops fall into your eye. If you’re applying ointment then apply the ointment (1/4 to 1/2 inch strip) inside the lower eyelid using a sweeping motion.
• Release lower lid after the medicine is in your eyes. Keep your eyes close for 5 minutes to let the eye drops cover your eyes completely. For ointments, keep your eyes close for 1-2 minutes gently. Make sure not to rub your eyes.
• Place finger on your eye duct for some time and gently blot extra medicine coming out from your eye with a tissue paper. Your vision may get blurry after applying ointment.
• Wait for at least 5 minutes before putting eye drops in the same eye if you’re directed to use 2 drops at a time.
• Replace the tube cap immediately after use. It’ll keep the medication clean.
• Wash your hands properly after using eye medications.

Things to keep in mind while using eye medicines

• Keep the eye drops and tube closed in a cool, dark place (unless otherwise advised).
• Don’t touch the top of eye dropper or tube with your eyes, fingers, or any other surface to keep it free from germs.
• Don’t let anyone else use your eye medication and don’t use anyone else’s eye medicine yourself.
• Dispose of the medication after the recommended time. The recommended time is approx. four weeks after opening the tube or bottle.
• Make sure not to keep eye medicines opened to use later. There is a risk that the medicine may get infected if it is kept open.
• Some eye ointments may irritate for a short while. Tell your doctor if eye symptoms become worse after using an eye ointment.
• Make sure to keep eye medicines out of children’s reach.