What Happens if You Use Eye Drops as Contact Solution

Introduction

Eye drops can treat a range of eye problems. For instance, you may use prescription eye drops from your doctor to treat an infection, a minor eye injury, or a condition such as glaucoma. Or, you may use over-the-counter eye drops to relieve dry or red eyes. Depending on why you're taking them, you may need to use eye drops for a short time or for a longer period.

No matter your reason for using eye drops, it's important to use them correctly. The proper technique helps the medication absorb into your eye so the drug can do its work. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to use eye drops properly and easily.

In addition to your eye drops, you'll need hand sanitizer or soap and water to clean your hands. You may also need some tissues to wipe away excess drops from around your eyes.

These instructions can help you put eye drops into your own eyes. If you're a parent or caregiver, these steps can also help you give drops to another person. If you have trouble putting drops into your own eyes, ask a family member or friend to help you.

Preparing

1. Gather your supplies. These include the bottle of eye drops as well as a tissue or other cloth to wipe away excess drops.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel or a paper towel. If soap and water aren't available, you can use hand sanitizer instead.

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If directed on the label or by your doctor or pharmacist, gently shake the bottle.

Remove the cap from the bottle and place it on its side on a clean surface.

Check the dropper tip to make sure it's clean. If it's dirty, throw the bottle of drops away and get a new one.

Putting in the drops

1. Tilt your head back or lie down flat on your back. Pull your lower eyelid down with your finger to form a pouch or pocket where the eye drop will go.

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Hold the bottle over your eye, with the dropper tip facing down. The dropper tip should be as close to your eye as possible without touching your eye. You can support the hand that's holding the bottle by resting your wrist against your forehead.

Look up. Squeeze the bottle so that a single drop falls into the pouch you made with your lower eyelid.

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Close your eye gently and tilt your face toward the floor for two to three minutes. Try to avoid blinking, moving your eyeball, or squeezing your eyelids tightly shut.

While your eye is closed, use one finger to apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye. This stops the medication from draining into your nasal passages and getting into your mouth or throat.

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Use a tissue or other cloth to wipe away any excess liquid from around your eyes.

Finishing up

1. If you need to put a second eye drop into the same eye, wait at least five to 10 minutes after putting in the first drop.
2. Put the cap back on the bottle. Don't touch the dropper tip or try to clean it.
3. Wash your hands to remove any medication that got on them.
4. Store the bottle as described on the label or by your doctor or pharmacist.

To help your eye drops work well, follow these instructions and any directions from the eye drop label or from your doctor or pharmacist. These steps should help you use your prescription or over-the-counter eye drops easily and safely. If you have any questions about using your eye drops, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What Happens if You Use Eye Drops as Contact Solution

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/general-use/how-to-use-eye-drops

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