What is this medication for?
Eye drops are a form of liquid medication that you apply directly onto the eyes to treat or soothe symptoms such as dryness or irritation.
They can contain different kinds of medication (such as lubricant, antibiotics, anti-inflammation etc.) to treat different conditions.
This are one of the most common ways to treat eye conditions.
The guide below will show a step by step explanation on how to correctly apply eye drops.
How should I take or use this medication?
Other important information:
- Before using the eye drops, read the label on the bottle carefully.
- Record the date opened on the eye drop bottle. Throw it away immediately once contaminated or after reaching its in-use shelf life as recommended by the manufacturer.
- If you need to apply eye drops and ointment together, you should apply the eye drops first before applying the ointment. Wait for 5 minutes before applying another eye drop or ointment.
- Some eye drops or ointments may cause temporary blurring of vision.
- If you experience blurred vision, you should avoid driving or doing things in places with poor lighting.
For Contact Lens Wearers:
- Remove your contact lens before each application of medication.
- If you are using hard lens, you can put them on directly after applying the eye drops.
- If you are using soft lens, you can put them on 30 minutes after applying the eye drops. Otherwise, your lens may be damaged by the preservatives present in the eye drops.
- If you need to apply eye drops twice a day, it is recommended that you apply them once in the morning before you put on your lens, and at the end of the day after you remove your lens.
Applying Eye Drops For Yourself
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then wipe them dry.
2. Roll the bottle gently to mix the contents well.
3. Alternatively, you may shake the bottle gently instead.
4. Open the bottle by removing the cap.
5. Hold the bottle as if you are holding a pen.
6. You may sit or lie down. Tilt your head back slightly and look up. Using the index finger of your free hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket
7. Hold the bottle at an angle above your eye.
8. Gently squeeze the bottle to apply 1 drop into the pocket. Ensure the bottle tip does not touch your eye, lid or lashes.
9. Close your eyes gently and wipe away any excess from your cheeks. Do not squeeze your eyes.
10. Perform punctal occlusion by closing your eye and pressing down gently on the inner corners of your eyes. This prevents the eyedrop from draining into the back of the throat and allows better absorption
11. Replace the cap and close the bottle tightly.
12. Store the bottle in a cool, dry area or as instructed on the label.
Applying Eyedrops For Others
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them.
2. Roll the bottle gently to mix the contents well.
- Open the bottle by removing the cap.
- Hold the bottle as if you are holding a pen.
- Sit or lie the patient down.
- Tilt their head back slightly and ask him/her to look up.
- Using the index finger of your free hand, gently pull down the patient’s lower eyelid to form a pocket
- Hold the bottle at an angle above their eye.
- Gently squeeze the bottle to apply 1 drop into the pocket. Ensure the bottle tip does not touch their eye, lid or lashes.
11. Get the patient to close their eyes gently and wipe away any excess eye drops from their cheeks. Inform them not to squeeze their eyes shut tightly.
12. Perform punctal occlusion. Let the patient close their eye and press down gently on the inner corners of their eye. This prevents the eyedrop from draining into the back of the throat and allows better absorption.
- Replace the cap and close the bottle tightly.
- Store it in a cool, dry area or as instructed on the label.
How to store the medication/medical device?
Different medications may have different recommended storage conditions. Refer to the specific medication leaflet for recommended storage conditions.
How do I throw away this medication safely?
Different medications may have different recommended ways to be thrown. Refer to the specific medication leaflet for instructions on how to throw this medication.
Disclaimer
The content of this article does not replace the information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and Singhealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore.
Contributed By
- Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore