How to Use Eye Drops
1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. If the eye drops are in a cloudy liquid, rotate the bottle around gently for 30 to 40 seconds before you put in the drops.
3. Tilt your head back.
4. Pull the lower lid away from the eye. This can be done by: Method I, pulling the lid down with one finger or by Method II, pinching the lower lid and pulling it out with two fingers. This forms a pocket between the eye and lower lid. The eye drops will go in this pocket.
Method I Method II
Pull lower lid down Pinching lid out with
with index finger. thumb and index finger.
5. Put in one drop at a time. Let the medicine fall from the dropper into the pocket. Do not touch the dropper to your eye or anything else.
6. If more than one type of drop has been ordered, wait 5 to 10 minutes before putting another drop into the same eye.
7. Put the bottle cap back on right after use. This will keep the dropper clean.
8. After putting in the drops, lightly close your eyelids. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye for one minute. This is to keep the drops from draining out the tear ducts.
9. Wipe away excess liquid with a tissue.
10. Do not rub your eyes.
11. Wash your hands with soap and water.
Please call the University of Wisconsin Ophthalmology Clinic if you have questions or concerns at: (608) 263 - 7171.
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #6579.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/13/2012
Copyright © 08/13/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4520
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