How to Use Eye Drops Correctly

Eye drops are among the most misused medicines. Most people squeeze drops onto the eyeball directly, blink immediately, and let the medicine drain away within seconds. Done incorrectly, you may absorb less than 20% of the dose — and the rest either spills down your cheek or drains into your nose and throat, causing unwanted systemic effects.

Step-by-Step: Correct Eye Drop Technique

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the bottle or your eye
2. Shake the bottle if it is a suspension (cloudy drop)
3. Tilt your head back or lie down and look up at the ceiling
4. Pull the lower eyelid down gently with one finger to create a small pocket
5. Hold the bottle above the eye — do not let the tip touch your eye, eyelid, or lashes (this contaminates the bottle)
6. Squeeze one drop into the lower eyelid pocket — not directly onto the eyeball
7. Close your eye gently — do not blink hard or squeeze; just close softly
8. Press the inner corner of your eye (near the nose) with a finger for 1–2 minutes — this blocks the nasolacrimal duct and keeps the drop in the eye longer
9. Wipe away any excess with a clean tissue

If Using Multiple Eye Drops

When prescribed more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes between each. Applying them back to back washes the first one out before it is absorbed.

If you also use eye ointment, always apply drops first and ointment last — ointment creates a barrier that prevents drops from penetrating.

Eye Drop Storage and Expiry

• Discard 4 weeks after opening — regardless of the printed expiry date. Open bottles can harbour bacteria that cause serious eye infections.
• Write the opening date on the bottle with a marker
• Store in a cool, dry place — refrigerate only if the label says so
• Never share eye drops between people
• Keep the cap on at all times when not in use

Eye Drops After Surgery

If you have had cataract, LASIK, or other eye surgery, your doctor will prescribe multiple drops on a strict schedule. Missing doses or incorrect technique can lead to infection or poor healing. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to demonstrate the technique and confirm your schedule in writing.

Glaucoma Eye Drops — Never Skip

Glaucoma drops (Timolol, Latanoprost, Bimatoprost) lower eye pressure to prevent permanent vision loss. They must be used exactly as prescribed — once or twice daily at the same time every day. Missing doses allows pressure to rise, causing irreversible nerve damage.

Frequently Asked Questions