Using Eye Drops

Using eyedrops—whether they’re prescription or over-the-counter—can be a tricky task for anyone. But a few tips can help you get the right dose in the right place, no matter your level of vision.

You’ve probably already used eye drops on your own—and some of the techniques you’ve practiced will still come in handy. Here are a few extra tips that don’t rely on vision.

If you’re using a new medication—or if your eye drops come in a bottle you haven’t used before—try practicing on your hand, first. That way, you’ll know how quickly the drops come out. Start by removing the bottle cap and placing it where you can easily find it—near a landmark, such as the backsplash of your bathroom counter, or on a clean tissue or towel nearby. Then hold the bottle in one hand and place your other hand under the bottle, a few inches away.

Tip the bottle upside down without squeezing, and check to see if you feel drops falling onto your hand. If you don’t feel drops, squeeze the bottle lightly until you do. That way, you’ll understand how quickly the drops come out, and how much pressure it takes.

Now let’s look at putting drops in your eyes. When you’re ready, it’s a good idea to lie down—or to sit with your head tilted back—which is more relaxing and stable than standing up.

Place the cap on or near a landmark again—and it’s helpful to have a tissue on hand, so you don’t have to find one to dab away any extra drops.

If you’re putting drops in both eyes, start with the same eye each time. This helps you keep track of which eye you’ve treated, and whether you’re done.

Now here’s a helpful technique to gently hold your eye open and guide the dropper to the right place. Let’s start with your left eye.

Once you’re lying back, the next step is to use your left hand to gently pull down your left eyelid. One easy way to make sure you’re reaching to the right place—and not touching your eye by mistake—is to anchor your hand by placing your left index finger on your forehead, just above the left eye. Then place your left thumb just below your eye, and gently pull your thumb downward to hold the lower lid open and create a little pocket.

With the eye drops in your right hand, lay the bottle horizontally across the bridge of your nose—making sure the tip is over your left eye. Keeping your eye open, tip the bottle so it points slightly downward—but not so far that it touches your eye, your eyelid, or your lashes. If you need to, squeeze the bottle gently to release the right number of drops.

Once your eye drops are in place, let go with your thumb and close your eye, then bring your index finger to the inside corner of your eye and press it lightly against your nose. This helps close your tear duct, so your eyedrops will stay where they belong. Stay sitting or lying in the same position for a couple of minutes to let the medication absorb.

To put eye drops in your right eye, just switch the directions. Use your right index finger to anchor your hand and your right thumb to pull your lower lid open. Then hold the bottle in your left hand while you lay it across the bridge of your nose and squeeze in the drops. Next, close your eye and lightly press the tear duct closed with your right index finger, and stay still for a couple of minutes to let the drops absorb.

Another method is to use an eye drop guide—a small device that fits onto your eye drop bottle and holds it at the correct angle and a safe distance over your eye. Check out the Resources for more information.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether your eye drops have landed where they’re supposed to. But here’s a tip that can help: Ask your pharmacist whether your eye drops can be kept in the refrigerator. When the drops are chilled, that can make it easier to feel them on the surface of your eye—or to know if you’ve missed and need to correct your angle. Refrigerating the drops might make them come out a little slower or make the bottle a little more difficult to squeeze—but practicing over your hand can be helpful.

If you miss with your eye drops—or if any of the drops run out of your eye—don’t worry. It gets easier with practice. Use a tissue to lightly dab any extra medication away, without rubbing around your eye.

For any type of medication, putting it back in the same place when you’re done makes it easier to find next time. And marking or labeling the bottle can help you keep your medications organized, and get the dosage right. For more tips, check out our workshop on labeling medication.

As always, if you need more information or you've got your own tips to share, contact a Hadley learning expert. Of course, as with anything new, give yourself time, patience and practice, and you'll get there.