A Step-by-Step Guide to Administering Eye Drops

A person carefully applies eye drops, demonstrating proper technique for eye care.

Properly administering eye drops is crucial for their effectiveness, especially when dealing with advanced treatments like autologous eye drops. Following a clean and correct technique ensures the drops are delivered to the right place and remain sterile. Here is a detailed guide to help you.

Step 1: Prepare Yourself and the Environment

Before you even touch the eye drop bottle, it's essential to set the stage for a clean and successful application.

• Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: This is the most important step. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. This prevents the transfer of germs from your hands to your eyes or the bottle.

• Check the Bottle: Ensure the eye drop bottle is clean and the tip is not damaged. If you're using refrigerated drops, like autologous eye drops, make sure you've thawed the vial to the correct temperature as instructed by Enrich.

• Find a Comfortable Position: You can either sit down or lie on your back. If sitting, tilt your head back to make it easier to reach your eye.

Step 2: Prepare Your Eye

Once you're ready, you need to prepare your eye for the drop.

• Gently Pull Down Your Lower Eyelid: With one hand, use your index finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid. This creates a small pocket or pouch to catch the eye drop.

• Look Up: Look up at the ceiling, away from the eye dropper. This helps to prevent blinking as the drop is administered.

Step 3: Administer the Eye Drop

Now, it's time to apply the eye drop.

• Hold the Bottle: Use your other hand to hold the eye drop bottle directly over the pocket you've created. Avoid touching your eye or eyelashes with the tip of the bottle to prevent contamination.

• Squeeze Gently: Squeeze the bottle to release a single drop into the pouch of your lower eyelid. You only need one drop per eye unless your ophthalmologist or optometrist has instructed otherwise.

Step 4: After Application

The final steps are just as important to ensure the drop is absorbed correctly and doesn't run out.

• Close Your Eye: Gently close your eye. Do not squeeze or blink hard, as this can push the drop out.

• Apply Pressure: With your eyes closed, press your finger against the inner corner of your eyelid (near your nose) for one to two minutes. This technique, called punctal occlusion, helps to keep the drop on the eye's surface and prevents it from draining into your tear duct and down your throat.

• Clean Up: Use a clean tissue to gently blot any excess liquid on your skin.

Important Precaution

• Don't Touch the Tip: Never let the eye dropper tip touch any surface, including your eye, finger, or eyelid.

• Store Properly: Always follow the storage instructions for your specific eye drops. If they need to be refrigerated, put them back immediately after use.

• Wait Between Drops: If you need more than one drop in the same eye or are using different types of drops, wait at least five minutes between applications to allow each drop to be fully absorbed.

• Follow Doctor's Orders: Always follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist regarding dosage and frequency.

By following these steps, you can ensure you're getting the full benefit from your eye drops and promoting the best possible outcome for your eye health.