What kinds of eye medicines are used?

Eye medicines come as drops and ointments. To get the maximum benefit from your medicine, it is important to use it properly. Many people feel uneasy about putting medicine in their eyes, but with just a little practice you should not have any trouble.

If you have any questions about using your eye medicines properly, ask your health care provider.

How are eyedrops used?

Here is how to use eyedrops:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Read the label on the medicine to make sure you have the right one. Shake the bottle.

3. Always sit or lie down. Tilt your head back to at least a 45- degree angle.

4. With one hand, gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. If you have long fingernails, turn your finger sideways. (Some people prefer to pinch the middle part of the lower eyelid between two fingers and pull it outward, away from the eyeball. This provides a good-sized sac into which the drop can be placed.)

5. Rest your hand against your cheekbone and look up toward the top of your head. Then let a drop of the medicine fall into the pouch between your lower lid and eye. Another method is to rest the bottle gently against your eyebrow and look up at the bottle as a single drop comes out. To avoid contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye.

6. Close your eye for 2 minutes to absorb the medicine. Do not rub your eye.

7. Wipe the tip of the dropper with a clean tissue. Replace the cap tightly and store the medicine away from heat and strong light.

If you have trouble using eyedrops, ask someone to help.

A mistake some people make when using eyedrops is holding the eyedrop bottle too far away. This causes the drops to splash. This method is uncomfortable, and makes it impossible to tell how much medicine is actually getting into your eye.

You may find it helpful to keep your drops chilled. This makes it easier to feel the drop as it goes into your eye.

Always be careful to use the proper dosage and follow the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Do not use eyedrops that are old or discolored.

How are eye ointments used?

Here's how to put ointment in your eyes:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Hold the tube of ointment in your hand for a few moments. This will warm the medicine so it will flow easily from the tube.

3. Pull your lower eyelid down with your finger and look at yourself in a mirror.

4. Bring the tube of ointment close to your eye. Gently squeeze a ribbon of ointment about a quarter of an inch long into the pouch that is formed between your eyelid and your eye. Be careful not to poke yourself with the tube. To avoid contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye.

5. Blink a few times to help spread the ointment over your eye. Do not rub your eyes.

6. Wipe the tip of the tube with a clean tissue. Replace the cap tightly and store the medicine away from heat and strong light.

Your vision may be a little blurred for a while after using an ointment.

Should contact lenses be worn while eye medicines are being used?

If you wear contact lenses, ask your health care provider if you should wear them while you are using the eye medicine. Also ask if the medicine you have been prescribed will stain your contact lenses.