How to Use Eye Drops Correctly
How to Use Eye Drops Correctly
Many people have used eye drops or artificial tears before, but may not have used them correctly. This week, we will introduce the correct use of eye drops because using them improperly can lead to eye infections.
Understanding Eye Drops
There are two types of eye medications:
1. Eye Drops: These are liquid medicines, which may be clear liquids or suspensions.
2. Eye Ointments**: These are creams or ointments.
All eye drops are produced sterile, meaning the medicine is free from germs. Otherwise, patients using eye drops or artificial tears may risk eye infections. Cleanliness is Key
The most important thing when using eye medication is cleanliness to prevent infections. Many people, when using eye drops or artificial tears, do not consider cleanliness during activities like studying, sitting in meetings, or eating. They may use eye drops without washing their hands, which luckily doesn't always lead to infections—but this isn't always the case.
Steps for Using Eye Drops1. Wash Your Hands: Before using eye drops, wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Shake the Medicine: If using suspensions, shake the medicine to distribute it evenly. This ensures each drop contains the correct amount of medicine.
3. Positioning: Lie down or sit with your head tilted up, based on your comfort.
4. Application:
- Use clean hands to pull down your lower eyelid to form a depression. - Look up and drop the specified amount of medicine into the depression (usually one to two drops). - Do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eyelid, eye, or face. - Gently close your eyes and roll them back and forth to spread the medicine throughout the cornea. - Use clean paper or cotton to absorb any excess. If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait about 5 minutes between each application.Using Eye Ointment
Applying eye ointment can be more difficult and may require assistance. The procedure is similar to using eye drops:- Pull the lower eyelid down to form a depression.
- Apply or drop the ointment in the specified amount (usually 1 to 2 millimeters).
- Close your eyes and roll them back and forth to coat the cornea.
Eye ointments are usually applied before bed because they can blur vision temporarily. They coat the cornea longer than eye drops. If you need to use both eye drops and ointment, use the eye drops first and wait at least 5 minutes before applying the ointment.
Avoid Contamination
Avoid contamination by not letting the dropper tip touch any surface, including skin and eyelids. Do not wipe or wash the tip of the dropper, as it may introduce germs. Storing Eye MedicationStore eye medication according to the label instructions. For example:
- If it needs to be stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, keep it in a normal refrigerator compartment.
- If it should be stored below 30 degrees Celsius, keep it at room temperature.
After opening, eye drops should not be used for more than 30 days due to the risk of contamination. Discard expired medications immediately. Some artificial tears come in small quantities for single-use to avoid preservatives, and these should be used within 12 hours after opening. Always read the instructions on the medicine label carefully.
For occasional illnesses like infections or pink eye, discard the medication once the illness is gone. For new symptoms, consult a doctor or pharmacist for new medication. Using old eye drops may cause infections and harm your eyes.
By understanding and following these guidelines, you can prevent eye injuries and infections from improper use of eye drops.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan
Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University
เราใช้คุกกี้เพื่อพัฒนาประสบการณ์การใช้งานเว็บไซต์ของคุณให้ดียิ่งขึ้น คุณสามารถจัดการความเป็นส่วนตัวของคุณได้เองโดยคลิกที่ ตั้งค่า
