Before you use any eyedrops, be sure to tell your optometrist about any other prescription or non prescription medications that you are taking or any allergies that you have.

Here are some general tips about correctly putting eyedrops in your eyes:

Look at the ceiling by standing or sitting and tilting your head backwards. Some people like to lie down on a flat surface.

The best way to ensure the drop remains in your eye is to gently pull the skin of your lower eyelid between your thumb and index finger to create a "pocket" for the drop. If you are unable to master this, gently pull your lower lid down with your index finger.

Look up (so you are not looking directly at the bottle) and gently release a drop into the pocket of your eye. Keep the bottle's nozzle or the eyedropper clean by not touching it to any part of your eyes.

If you are unable to get the drop into your eye because of blinking, try this: Close your eye and pull the lower lid down. Aim the drop into the inside corner of your eye. Open your eye and let the drop run into your lower lid.

To help keep the medication in your eye and prevent it from escaping through the tear duct, you can "occlude" this duct by gently pressing on the inside corner of your closed eye with your index finger for about two minutes. If drops have been placed in both eyes, you can perform occlusion by placing your thumb and index finger (or the index fingers of both hands) on either side of your nose and gently pressing down on the inside corners of both closed eyes. This step is very important with some medications, so do not skip it if your doctor specifies it.

If you use more than one kind of drop, wait at least five minutes between drops.

Teresa Lui, O.D.       Palo Alto Optometrist         Optical Boutique           650-321-9525          info@drteresalui.com