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Just been prescribed eyedrops?
Posted: 12/06/2024
Having to use any medication for the first time can be daunting and eye drops can be a particular challenge for some. Regardless of whether the drops are for contact lens comfort or for an eye disease such as glaucoma it is important that you gain confidence in instilling them and use them as instructed. Here are some handy tips to help, and at the end of this blog are some useful links.
Preparation:
- Make a note of the date you open the bottle.
- Wash hands thoroughly.
- Shake the bottle if required (check bottle/leaflet)
- Check the expiry date
Application Methods:
Method 1: Standard method
- Sit in front of a mirror or lie down.
- Pull down the lower eyelid with one hand.
- Squeeze/tap the bottle to release a drop into the pocket between your eye and lower lid.
Method 2: Horizontal nose rest method
- Lie on a bed with one pillow.
- Hold the bottle horizontally, place the screw part on the bridge of your nose.
- Look up, squeeze the bottle to release a drop.
- If the drop doesn’t enter the eye, turn your head slightly to guide it in.
Method 3: Wrist knuckle method
- Make a fist with one hand and use your knuckles to pull your lower eyelid downwards.
- Place your other hand with the eye drop bottle onto your knuckles.
- Look up and squeeze one drop into your lower eyelid, making sure the nozzle does not touch your eye, eyelashes or eyelid.
After Application:
- Close your eye gently.
- Press softly on the inside corner by the nose for 1-2 minutes.
- This helps slow drainage through the tear duct, reducing side effects.
- Repeat for the other eye if needed.
Multiple Drops:
- Wait at least five minutes between different drops in the same eye to prevent washing out the first drop.
- Use the drops in order of thickness – so watery drops before thicker drops before gels before ointments
- Use drops in the same order each time, for example by colour or by bottle size, to reduce the possibility of making a mistake.
- If you have difficulty telling the different bottles apart, it may be useful to use coloured stickers, larger labels or elastic bands around the bottles to distinguish them.
Routine:
- Establish a routine to remember your drops.
- Keep the bottle by your toothbrush if not refrigerated.
- Use a chart to track daily usage.
- Check the first used date to make sure they have not been open for too long
- Space doses evenly (e.g., 12 hours apart for twice daily).
Storage:
- Check the leaflet accompanying the drops to make sure you store them at the correct temperature.
- Store eye drops and all medicines out of the reach and sight of children and out of direct sunlight.
- Dispose of old bottles safely by returning them to the pharmacy.
Cold Drops:
- If unsure whether a drop entered your eye, store the bottle in the fridge (check it’s safe first).
- The cold sensation will confirm the drop’s application.
Travelling:
- Keep drops cool in hot weather with a Frio cool wallet (see below) which keep drops cool for up to 45 hours (see below)
- Large wallet: holds four bottles or 30 single dose units.
- Small wallet: holds one bottle or 10 single dose units.
- Activate wallets by soaking in cold water (no refrigeration needed)
Useful clips and links:
Instruction video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlOgAUHqBBc&t=22s
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