How to Use Eye Drops Properly

(Using a mirror or having someone else give you the eyedrops may make this procedure easier.)

1Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2 Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.
3 Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else - eyedrops and droppers must be kept clean.
4 While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
5 Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
6 Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
7 Gently squeeze the dropper so that the correct number of drops falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid.
8 Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.
9 Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
10 Wash your hands to remove any medication.

Remember

Follow directions carefully
Do not miss doses
Use the exact number of drops recommended
Store medications out of reach of children

The 'How to Administer' illustrations shown on SafeMedication.com were developed by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) using referenced publications and existing patient information. The illustrations are the sole intellectual property of ASHP. Copyright ASHP. Illustrator: Kirk Moldoff Studios, Princeton, N.J.