[ What You Will Learn ]
  1. When multiple eye drops are used at the same time, wait at least 5 minutes before applying the second one to the same eye for keeping the effect of eye drops and avoiding drug interactions.
  2. If your eyes have crust or discharge, clean the eyelids and eyelashes with sterile cotton swabs (from the inner to the outer canthus).
I.Steps
  1. Before and after applying the eye drops: Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry your hands with a clean towel.
  2. If your eyes have crust or discharge, clean the eyelids and eyelashes with sterile cotton swabs (from the inner to the outer canthus).
  3. Shake the eye drop container gently if the eye drops are a suspension.
  4. Remove the cap from the eye drop bottle and place the cap on a clean surface with the inside facing up.
  5. Either lie down or sit with your head tilted slightly backward.
  6. Confirm the correct eye drops and the affected eye. Pull down the lower lid with your index finger or a cotton swab to expose the conjunctival sac (Figure 1). Look up, gently squeeze the bottle, and allow one drop to fall into the conjunctival sac (Figure 2). Avoid blinking, wiping your eyes, or squeezing your eyelids
  7. When using eye ointments, squeeze approximately 1 cm of ointment into the conjunctival sac (from the inner corner of the eye to the outer canthus) (Figure 3). Whirl the tube to break the ointment. Avoid contact with the tip of the tube with  your eyelashes and eyelid to prevent contamination.c05922a465297c61b51f536882222d20.jpg   圖片來源:AI生成
  8.   When using eye ointments, squeeze a thin ribbon (about 1-cm) of ointment into the conjunctival sac (from the inner corner of the eye to the outer canthus) (Figure 3). Gently twist the tube to break off the ointment. Do not let the tip of the tube touch your eyelashes or eyelid to avoid contamination.
  9. Close the eyes slightly for 5-10 seconds, so that the eye drops can be evenly absorbed on the surface of the eyeball. Meanwhile, use one finger or a cotton swab to apply gentle pressure to the inner canthus for 30-60 seconds (Figure 4). This prevents the medication from draining into your nasal passages and entering your mouth or throat. Besides, it could enhance efficacy by keeping the medication in the eye longer.7a9a451564b15b931a6b6464ddb8e57b.png      圖片來源:AI生成
  10. Gently wipe away excess liquid or ointment with a sterile cotton swab (from the inner to the outer canthus).
II.Precautions
  1. Follow the directions carefully. Do not allow others to use your drops, and avoid applying them to the unaffected eye.
  2. Generally, eye drops could be stored at room temperature. Keep in mind that some eye drops need to be stored in refrigerator.
  3. Pay attention to the color and the expiration date of the eye drops, and discard them if it is discolored or outdated.
  4. Shake the ophthalmic suspension before using it.
  5. When multiple eye medications are used at the same time, wait at least 5 minutes before delivering the second medication to the same eye to keep the effect of eye drops.
  6. Apply the eye drops before putting in the ointment when they are used simultaneously.
  7. After giving eye drops or ointment, it can temporarily cause blurred vision, so be careful and pay attention to safety.
III.Conclusion

There are many types of eye drops ,and it can sometimes be tricky to get the drops into your eye. With a few tips and some practice, you will become more comfortable with the process. The timing and dosage of your eye drops can make a big difference in your treatment. Whether you use eye drops for glaucoma, dry eye, infection, or an allergy, you must use the drops correctly to get the full benefit. Follow your doctor’s instructions as closely as possible.

IV.References
  1. 周桂如、徐淑芬、陳麗華(2023).感覺功能失調疾病與護理.於王桂芸、劉雪娥、馮容芬總校訂,新編內外科護理學(第六版,17-25~17-26頁).永大。
  2. Gudgel, D. T. (2023, May 05). How to put in eye drops. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/how-to-put-in-eye-drops
  3. National Eye Institute. (2024, December 5). How to Put in Eye Drops. https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/glaucoma-medicines/how-put-eye-drops
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    林伊柔
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    中榮護理衛教
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    How to instill your own eye drops
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    2024-01-30 08:35:33
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    2026-07-09 10:09:41
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    2026-07-09
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