Many eye problems are treated with eye drops or eye ointment, and sometimes with both. In this post, we’ll be discussing on how to apply them. It could be a challenge to put on eye drops and eye ointment, especially if you are a first time user. However, with practice you’ll get more comfortable and confident with the process without missing, spilling or using too much eye drops. Follow these steps to use eye drops correctly.
Administering eye drops or eye ointment to yourself
If you are using eye ointment, put a thin line of ointment along the pouch.
Administering eye drops or eye ointment to someone else
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water, then dry them well.
2. Let the patient sit down and tilt his/her head back while looking up with both eyes.
3. Rest your hand on the patient’s temple while keeping the bottle above the eye.
4. Using the thumb of your other hand, make a pocket by pulling the patient’s lower eyelid lower.
5. Squeeze the bottle gently near the eye (about an inch away) and allow the eye drop fall into the pocket.
6. If you are using eye ointment, squeeze a thin line of ointment along the pouch.
7. Ask the patient to close his eye gently and press on the lacrimation duct lightly for a minute.
8. Wipe any excess drops from the closed eyelid with a tissue. Repeat the steps with the other eye, if necessary.
9. Wash your hands once you’re done.
Safety tips
Take these safety precautions when applying eye drops or eye ointment:
- Never share your eye ointment with anyone else.
- Use your ointment only within the expiry date on the tube, and discard the bottle after one month once opened. This is to ensure they are not contaminated or have become less effective.
- Do not squeeze the tube too hard to avoid overflowing of ointment.
- Make sure the bottle tip is clean and doesn’t touch your eye, eyelashes, eyelids, fingers, or any surface. This is to keep bacteria or other contaminants from growing in your eye.
- If you need to use eye drops and eye ointment, apply the eye drops first, then wait for five minutes before using the eye ointment.
- To improve the flow of eye ointment, hold the tube in hand for several minutes to warm before use.
- It is normal for your vision to be slightly hazy, misty or blurry after applying the eye drops or eye ointment.
- Please be aware that some eye ointments may sting or irritate for a while after putting it on. Let your doctor know if the symptoms worsen or you experience other adverse effects.
If you have problems applying eye drops or eye ointment, ask for advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
References:
- How to Put in Eye Drops | American Academy of Ophthalmology
- How to Insert Eye Drops | WebMD
- How to Put in Eye Drops | All About Vision
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