Eye drops can have very different compositions and purposes. The technique for its application is similar. Always remember: If you are using eye drops prescribed by an ophthalmologist, strictly follow all the instructions he gives you. If you are going to apply any type of eye drops that have not been prescribed for you, make sure you can do so and follow the instructions on the package leaflet. First: prevent eye infections Preventing eye infections is an important step when putting eye drops. First, wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eyes and the eye drop bottle. Even with washed hands, never touch the dropper tip. And never touch the eyes or eyelids with the dropper tip. With your hands already washed, shake the bottle (if indicated), open it and leave it so that you can handle it later with just one hand. And always place the bottle lid on a clean surface. Consider using disposable single-dose eye drops as they do not contain preservatives, are easier to transport and the fact that they are not reusable reduces the risk of contamination. If you wear contact lenses, take them out before applying the drops, unless your doctor has told you it is not necessary to do so. Put the drops in your eyes Tilt your head back and to the side opposite the eye where you are going to apply the drops: Look up; With the fingers of your non-dominant hand, which in most people is the left, lightly pull the lower eyelid downwards; The edge of the eyelid will be away from the eye and a kind of pocket will form; Handle the bottle with the dominant hand: invert the bottle or point the dropper tip over the pocket formed by the eyelid, but without touching the eye or eyelids; Squeeze (the bottle or dropper, depending on the type of bottle) and apply the drops. Make sure you get the required number of drops into the eye; Keep the head tilted back, release the eyelid, lightly press the nose area close to the inner corner of the eye (so nothing comes out) and leave the eye closed for about 1 minute (if nothing else has been indicated). Straighten your head and open your eye. If you have to apply drops to both eyes, repeat the operations for the second eye now. To make it easier To counteract the eyes closure when something approaches (the bottle, the dropper), try to fix your gaze on a distant point. If you cannot move your eyelid and keep your eye open: turn your head back, close your eye slightly, put the drops in the inner corner of your eye close to your nose, and then open your eye slowly and blink to let the drops enter. If you think you cannot keep the bottle or dropper securely in place to apply the drops, hold them with your thumb and index finger and increase stability resting the other fingers on your nose. Check the leaflet for the storage temperature of your eye drops. If it can be kept refrigerated, store it the refrigerator. It is easier to make sure that the required number of drops has entered the eyes if they are cold. If you still cannot successfully apply the drops, sit or lie down comfortably and ask someone to put the drops in your eyes. After washing hands and following all the rules. End the operation Close the eye drop bottle and store it in the appropriate place. Wash your hands again with soap and water. And continue to prevent infections Do not share your eye drops; Comply with the expiration date: eye drops almost always have a specific expiration date after first opening; Even if it is within its expiration date, do not use the eye drops if you notice that their appearance has undergone unexpected changes. Author: Nuno Correia The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
