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Introduction | Eye drops | Ointments

Introduction

Many eye conditions require patients to put eye drops or an ointment in their eyes. It is important it be done properly. Patients should always tell eye their care professional about other medications they are taking and any allergies they have.

Eye drops

Some people have difficulty putting drops in their eyes. It isn't easy to do, but with a little practice, most people can become proficient at it. To avoid further contamination, patients should always wash their hands before putting eye drops in their eyes.

To put drops in, the patient should stand or sit and tilt his or her head back to look at the ceiling. If this causes problems, you may lie down instead. Gently grasp your lower eyelid between your thumb and index finger and pull it outward. This creates a pocket for the eye drop so it won't run out of the eye. If you have difficulty doing this, gently pull the lower lid downward. Look up so you aren't looking directly at the medication bottle, and gently squeeze a drop into the pocket you created. To keep the bottle clean, avoid touching your eye with the bottle.

If you blink and can't get the drop in your eye, try closing your eye and pulling the lower lid downward. Aim the drop into the inside corner of your eye. Then, open your eye and let the drop run into your lower lid. Be sure to try the open-eye method at the next dose because it is a more reliable way of ensuring the drop stays in your eye.

If your eye care professional wants you to keep the medicated eye drops in your eye for a few minutes, block your tear duct, which normally drains excess moisture from the eye. Press your finger against the inside corner of your closed eye for about three minutes. If drops have been placed in both eyes, place your fingers on either side of your nose and gently press down on the inside corners of your closed eyes for a few minutes. This is a very important step for some medications, and if your eye doctor tells you to do it, you should not skip it.

Blot your closed eyes gently with a tissue to wipe away any excess drops. If you are using more than one kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes between drops.

Contact your eye professional immediately if you have any side effects such as burning, inflammation, puffiness, or itching.

Ointments

Some people have difficulty putting eye ointments in their eyes. It isn't easy to do, but with a little practice, most people can become proficient at it. Patients should always wash their hands before putting eye ointments in their eyes.

Begin by squeezing about one-fourth inch of the ointment from the tube at each application. Discard that strip of ointment because it could be contaminated from the previous application.

Gently grasp the lower eyelid between your thumb and index finger and pull it outward. This creates a pocket for the ointment. Then express a one-fourth to one-half inch strip of ointment into the pocket you formed, unless your eye care professional prescribes a different amount. Twist your wrist to break the strip of ointment from the tube.

After you have placed the ointment in your eyes, blink or close your eyes briefly. Your body heat will melt the ointment so it will spread across the surface of your eye. If you have been instructed to apply the ointment to the edges of your eyelid, squeeze out about a one-half inch strip onto your fingertip and smooth it across the length of your closed lids near your lashes.

Use a soft, clean tissue to remove any extra ointment from the skin around your eyes. Don't disturb the medication placed in your eyes or on the edges of your eyes.

If you have any side effects such as burning, inflammation, puffiness, or itching, contact your eye professional immediately.