•  
  •  

Eyedrops

Picture showing how to put eyedrops in the eye

To use eyedrops, tilt your head back, and pull the lower eyelid down with one or two fingers to create a pouch. Gently squeeze the dropper to put 1 to 2 eyedrops in the pouch. Close the eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drops absorb.

For younger children, have the child lie down with the eyes closed. Place an eyedrop in the inner corner of the eye. When the eye opens, the drop will run in.

Take these safety precautions when using eyedrops:

  • Wear disposable medical gloves when you insert eyedrops into someone else's eyes. If gloves are not available, wash your hands thoroughly before and after inserting the drops. Even if you wore gloves, wash your hands after inserting eyedrops.
  • Be sure the dropper is clean and does not touch the eye, eyelid, lashes, or any surface.
  • If the dropper touches the eye, do not put the dropper back in the bottle. A new dropper can be purchased at a drugstore.
  • If you touch the bottle tip to the eye or the area around the eye, call your pharmacy and arrange to get another bottle of eye medicine.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised November 2, 2011

Last Revised: November 2, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.