Eye Drop

An eye drop is a liquid saline solution that is dropped into the eye.

Eye Drop Purposes
Eye drops may be used to administer eye medication. Eye drops that are used to administer medication may contain steroids, antihistamines for allergies, anesthetics, or anti-inflammatories. Eye drops may be used to treat certain eye problems, such as glaucoma. These eye drops typically are prescribed by a doctor.

More commonly, eye drops are used to lubricate an eye that is dry, itchy or irritated with fake tears. These drops may also contain anti-redness chemicals. This eye drops can be purchased over-the-counter.

Proper Eye Drop Use
 Follow all orders given by your doctor if applicable.
 Be sure to wash your hands before putting in your eye drops to avoid contamination.
 Don't let the tip of the drops touch any part of your eye. Make sure it stays clean and doesn't get dropped on the floor.
 If you have to put in more than one drop at a time into the same eye, wait a few minutes in between drops. This will help keep the drops from being washed out of the eye because of too much liquid. Your eyes will automatically want to blink the liquid away.
 Keep your eye drops away from children.

Steps for Using Eye Drops
 Tilt your head backward. If you have trouble inserting drops while standing, try sitting down or lying down.
 Use your index finger to pull the lower eyelid down slightly so that it pulls away from the eye and creates a pocket.
 Hold your dropper in the other hand above the eye and let one drop fall into the eye.
 Slowly close your lower lid. Close your eyes, but don't close your eyes too tight or squint. This may cause the drops to be pushed out of the eye.
 Gently press the inside corners of your closed eyes with your finger and thumb. This will help keep the drops in your eye instead of traveling into the rest of your body.
 Blot around your eyes with a tissue to remove any extra liquid that may have escaped.

Tips for Using Eye Drops
You may have trouble putting drops into your eyes if you are not used to it. It is usually hard for people who have never worn contacts and don't interact with their eyes. Here are some tips that may help.
 If your hands are shaking, trying inserting the eye drops from the side of the eye so you can rest your hand on your face. This will help steady your hand. You may also want to try wearing a wrist weight around the wrist of the hand you are using to apply the drops because the extra weight may decrease shaking.
 If you are nervous about putting something directly into your eye, try tilting your head to the side and closing your eyes. Place a drop or have someone else place a drop on the inner corner of your eyelid. Slowly open your eyes so that the drop falls into your eye. If you are not sure that the drop went into your eye, try it again. The eye can only hold about one drop at a time, so any extra liquid will run out of the eye.
 If the eye dropper is too small and you are having trouble holding onto the bottle or the dropper, try wrapping a paper towel around the dropper or a washcloth. There are also devices you can buy that will assist in putting drops into your eye.

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Categories: Eye Health,

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