Are you like me and find putting eye drops in to be one of the WORST things to do?
I have been on a quest for a long time to find different ways of putting eye drops in that doesn't involve tilting my head back, holding my eye open while trying not to blink and squeezing the bottle only to have the drops go anywhere but my eye!
Fortunately, I have found a few ways that work really well that don't leave me with a sore neck!
Here are three, tried and true methods to get those drops in those eyes!
As with any "procedure", wash your hands, check you are using the correct medication, you know the correct dose, and the medicine has not expired.
1. Closed Eye Technique
This method is great because you don't have to hold your eye open, or attempt to not blink.
Either lay down or tilt your head up.
Aim the bottle right above the tear duct on the inside of the eye (make sure the dropper tip does not touch your eye or lashes). Tilt your head slightly to the side you are placing the drop in, to let gravity help, and squeeze the bottle so the drop goes in the inside corner of the eye.
Open your eye slightly to let the drop run over the entire eyeball.
Gently close your eye and place the pad of a finger at the inside corner of the eyelid, by the nose, and apply gentle pressure.
You need to apply pressure for 2 minutes, as studies have shown it takes that long for the drop to penetrate the eye to get inside for maximum results.
2. Create a "Pocket"
If you have a hard time bending your neck back, or don't have anywhere to lay down, you can use the "pocket" method.
Simply use the pad of a fingertip to gently pull your lower lid down creating a "pocket". You will need to tilt your head back slightly, to let gravity help pull the drop into the eye.
Carefully aim the dropper above the eye (making sure the tip does not touch the eye or lashes) and squeeze the bottle so the drop goes in.
At this point, you want to close your eye gently. Resist the urge to blink a bunch of times or use your finger to try to "move the drops around".
Gently close your eye and place the pad a finger at the inside corner of the eyelid, by the nose, and apply gentle pressure. Again, apply pressure for the full 2 minutes.
3. Use an Eye Drop Guide
You can also use an eye drop guide. These little devices hold your eye open for you while directing the drop right into your eye! They are designed to prevent you from blinking so you can get drops in your eyes without wasting expensive medication!
Notes:
If the tip of the applicator and your eye meet unexpectedly, don't worry, just wipe the tip with alcohol.
Sources:
http://www.glaucoma.org/gleams/eyedrop-techniques-questions-and-answers-from-dr-bradley-schuster.php
http://blog.visivite.com/2011/06/30/put-eyedrops-eyes-closed/
This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. Labels: Eye Health, Tips & Tricks
