How to Use Eye Drops | Tips and Tricks

Putting In Eye Drops

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

  • Wash your hands before putting in your eye drops.
  • Be careful not to let the tip of the dropper touch any part of your eye.
  • Make sure the dropper stays clean.
  1. Start by tilting your head backward while sitting, standing, or lying down. With your index finger placed on the soft spot just below the lower lid, gently pull down to form a pocket.
  2. Look up. Squeeze one drop into the pocket in your lower lid. Don't blink, wipe your eye, or touch the tip of the bottle on your eye or face.
  3. Close your eye. Keep closed for three minutes without blinking.
  4. It might also help to gently press on the inside corner of your closed eyes with your index finger and thumb for two to three minutes (to keep the drops from draining into your throat and getting into your system).
  5. Blot around your eyes to remove any excess.

If You Are Having Trouble Getting The Drop Into Your Eye, try this...

With your head turned to the side or lying on your side, close your eyes. Place a drop in the inner corner of your eyelid (the side closest to the bridge of your nose). By opening your eyes slowly, the drop should fall right into your eye.

If you are still not sure the drop actually got in your eye, put in another drop. The eyelids can hold only about one drop, so any excess will just run out of the eye. It is better to have excess run out than to not have enough medication in your eye.