Do your eyes burn, feel dry, or itch? You’re one among millions who feel this way. Many rely on eye drops every day for relief from a number of eye conditions. Whether you’re applying them for allergies, dry eyes, or as a supplement to therapy prescribed by your doctor, using eye drops correctly can make all the difference in how well they work.
We have all done it – sticking our head back, fumbling towards our eye, and hoping for the best. The drop sometimes makes it there perfectly and sometimes it rolls down your cheek. Putting eye drops on seems a simple enough process, but there is technically a right way and a wrong way to do it. When used correctly, they can bring quick relief and cure eye ailments successfully.
Here, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about how to properly use eye drops. From storage tips to application, these simple steps will allow you to get the most out of your eye drops and keep them doing their job without mistakes that reduce their effectiveness. Let’s discuss how you can make sure those precious drops go exactly where they’re meant to: in your eyes.
Common Types of Eye Drops
Before discussing proper usage, let’s have a quick rundown of the main types of eye drops you might be using:
Eye drops for dry eyes (Artificial tears): These are over-the-counter drops for dry eyes to provide additional moisture. They’re safe for regular use and are also available in preservative-free options for sensitive eyes.
Allergy drops: These contain antihistamines to relieve itching and redness that are caused by allergies. Some are available over-the-counter, while stronger ones require a doctor’s prescription.
Eye drops for red eyes: These ones constrict blood vessels to reduce redness but they must be used sparingly since prolonged use actually makes the redness worse over time.
Prescription eye drops: These are used to treat particular conditions such as glaucoma, infections, or inflammation and must be used precisely as instructed by your doctor.
Proper Eye Drop Application Technique
For best results, follow the steps below::
1. Wash your hands properly with water and soap before touching your eyes or eye drops.
2. Check your eye drops for the expiry date and look at the solution – it must be clear and not discolored or cloudy.
3. Sit or lie down correctly with your head tilted backward.
4. Pull the lower eyelid downwards gently with one finger to create a small pocket.
5. Look up towards the ceiling before instilling the drop – this reduces blinking.
6. Hold the bottle close to your eye (about an inch away) without letting the tip touch your face or eye.
7. Squeeze one drop gently into the pocket created with your lower lid.
8. Close your eye gently for about 30 seconds to let the medicine be absorbed. Do not blink excessively.
9. Press gently on the inner corner of your closed eye (near your nose) for about one minute. This reduces drainage into your nasal passage and helps more of the drop stay in your eye.
10. Wait at least 5 minutes before applying a second drop or using any other eye medication.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make these mistakes that reduce the effectiveness of their eye drops:
1. Adding too many drops at one time: More doesn’t mean better. Too much solution simply leaks out and wastes your medication.
2. Touching the eye with the dropper tip: This can contaminate your eye drops with germs.
3. Not waiting between eye medicines: If you use more than one type of eye drop, wait a minimum of 5 minutes between applications.
4. Incorrect storage: Some eye drops need to be stored in the refrigerator and others do not. Make sure you check the label.
5. Using drops past expiration: Old eye drops can be contaminated and are also less effective.
6. Sharing eye drops with others: This practice can spreads infection, even among family members.
Signs You’re Overusing Eye Drops
Although eye drops provide relief, depending too heavily on them, especially on some types, can be an issue. The following are signs that you might be overusing your drops:
1. MRebound redness: using redness-reducing drops too frequently will make the eyes become even redder once the effect has worn off, creating a vicious cycle of addiction.
2. Increased irritation: Ironically, using too much eye drops can actually make your eyes worse, not better. Your eyes will feel scratchy, or uncomfortable.
3. Blurry vision: Too many drops of lubricants can temporarily blur your vision by covering your eye surface with excess liquid.
3. Chemical conjunctivitis: Some preservatives in eye drops can irritate if used too frequently leading to inflammation and discomfort, which appears as redness.
4. Medication side effects: Using more than the recommended amount of the prescribed eye drops may increase your chances of experiencing side effects from the active ingredients.
If you notice any of these signs, it is worth talking to your optometrist about changing your eye drop routine or switching to a different product.
Storage tips for Eye Drops
Proper storage of your eye drops makes them safe and effective:
1. Read the label. Check for whether your drops require refrigeration or storage at room temperature.
2. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Don’t store your drops in a hot car or sunny windowsill.
3. Close the cap tightly after each use to prevent evaporation and contamination.
4. Write the date when you first opened on the bottle. Most eye drops are good for 28 days after opening, whether it’s empty or not.
5. Keep drops out of reach of children because some medicines are harmful if swallowed.
Final Thoughts
If used properly, eye drops can provide a lot of relief for a variety of common eye problems. The secret is using them properly and getting the best out of them is proper technique, proper amount and proper timing. If you adhere to these simple guidelines, you’ll get the most out of your drops and have healthy, comfortable eyes.
Don’t forget, in the event that you unsure about what eye drops work best for you or how often you should use them, your eye doctor is always your best guide.. They can recommend the perfect product for your unique eye needs and help you use them correctly too.
