Use Eye Drops As Prescribed

To use eye drops as prescribed, follow these steps:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Shake the eye drop bottle well.

Tilt your head spinal and look up.

With one hand, pull your lower eyelid down & away from your eyeball to form a pocket.

With the other hand, hold the eye drop flask upside down and gently squeeze one drop into the pocket.

Close your eye and mildly media your finger on the inner corner of your eye for about 1 minute to prevent the eye drop from draining into your tear duct.

Repeat steps 3-6 for the other eye, if needed.

If you are using multiple types of eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes amid each drop.

Here are some additional tips for using eye drops:

Do not touch the landfill of the eye drop bottle to your eye or eyelid. This can contaminate the bottle and spread infection.

If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose. Just take the next dose as scheduled.

Do not use eye drops after the expiration date.

If you experience any side effects, such as redness, itching, or burning, stop using the eye drops and contact your doctor.

It is important to use eye drops as prescribed by your doctor to get the most benefit from the medication. If you have any questions or anxieties, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I use eye drops as much as I want?

No, you should not use eye drops as much as you want. There are a few reasons for this:

Preservatives: Many eye drops contain preservatives to help prevent bacterial growth. However, preservatives can also irritate the eyes, especially if used too often. If you need to use eye drops frequently, look for preservative-free eye drops.

Rebound effect: Some types of eye drops, such as anti-redness drops, can cause a rebound effect if used too often. This means that the redness will come back worse once you stop using the drops.

Masking underlying problems: Eye drops can relieve symptoms such as dryness, redness, and itchiness. However, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause of your eye problems so that you can receive the suitable treatment.

How often you can safely use eye drops depends on the type of eye drops and your individual needs. Over-the-counter artificial tears are generally safe to use as often as needed. However, most eye drops with preservatives should not be used more than four times per day. If you are using prescription eye drops, follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you are unsure how often you can safely use eye drops, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Here are some tips for reducing your need for eye drops:

Blink frequently. This helps to spread your natural tears over the surface of your eyes.

Avoid dry air. Dry air can irritate your eyes and make them feel dry. Use a humidifier in your home and office, and avoid spending too much time in air-conditioned environments.

Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps to keep your tears flowing.

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking & alcohol can dry out your eyes.

Take breaks when using screens. Staring at shades for long periods of time can reduce your blinking rate and cause dry eyes. Take breaks every 20-30 minutes to look away from the screen and blink.

Do I need doctor prescription for eye drops?

Whether or not you need a doctor's prescription for eye drops depends on the type of eye drop. Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops are available without a prescription and are generally safe to use for minor eye conditions such as dryness, redness, and itchiness. However, prescription eye drops are required for more serious eye conditions such as infections, allergies, and glaucoma.

Here are some examples of OTC eye drops:

Artificial tears

Lubricant eye drops

Antihistamine eye drops

Redness relievers

Here are some examples of prescription eye drops:

Antibiotic eye drops

Steroid eye drops

Glaucoma eye drops

Allergy eye drops

If you are unsure whether or not you need a prescription for eye drops, it is always best to see a doctor. They can diagnose the underlying reason of your eye problems and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Here are some instructions for using eye drops safely and effectively:

Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using eye drops.

Do not trace the tip of the eye drop bottle to your eye or eyelid.

Tilt your head back and look up.

Gently pull your lower lid down and away from your eyeball to form a pocket.

Squeeze one drop of eye drop into the pocket.

Close your eye and mildly press your finger on the inner corner of your eye for about 1 minute to prevent the eye drop from draining into your tear duct.

Repeat steps 3-6 for the other eye, if needed.

If you are using multiple types of eye droplets, wait at least 5 minutes between each drop.