How to Use Eye Drops Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide from a UK Optometrist

Have you ever had drops slide down your cheek and wondered why your eyes still sting? John has had dry eyes for months. He uses his prescribed eye drops faithfully, but his symptoms persist. The issue is his technique, not the medication.

 

Like John, many people in the UK use eye drops incorrectly, which reduces the effectiveness of their treatment. Up to 40% of patients misuse eye drops, which can cause the medicine to work less effectively than intended.

 

As an optometrist, I frequently encounter this. Patients report that their drops sting, run down their cheek, or fail to relieve their symptoms. It’s frustrating to follow treatment and get no results. Usually, the problem is technique, not the drops. With practice, anyone can master it. If stinging or discomfort continues despite using proper technique, other problems may be to blame, such as an allergy, infection, or a reaction to the ingredients. Contact your optometrist promptly to determine if the issue is with the drops or a more serious problem.

 

In this guide, I will explain how to use eye drops correctly, highlight common mistakes, and share practical tips to make the process easier.

Why Technique Matters

Technique is crucial—if a drop misses, the medicine can’t help.

 

If a drop misses your eye, drains away, or gets blinked out, the medicine can’t work. This slows improvement and leads to ongoing discomfort or vision problems. You also waste medicine, which is frustrating and costly if your drops are expensive or require a prescription.

 

Good technique also reduces side effects. Pressing the inner eye corner after using drops stops the medicine from draining into your nose and throat, where it can cause side effects.

 

The main point: using the right technique makes your drops work better, wastes fewer drops, and reduces side effects.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Eye Drops

Here’s a simple routine you can follow every time you use eye drops:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. Always start with clean hands to avoid introducing germs to your eye.
2. Tilt your head back. Sit and look up, or lie down if more comfortable.
3. Pull down your lower eyelid. This creates a small pocket between your lid and your eye.
4. Hold the bottle just above your eye. Keep it steady, but don’t let it touch your lashes or skin.
5. Squeeze one drop. More won’t increase effectiveness and will just run out.
6. Close your eyes gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid blinking or squeezing, or the drop may fall out.
7. Press lightly on the inner corner of your eye. This reduces drainage and helps the medicine stay put.
8. Wait at least 5 minutes before applying another drop to ensure absorption. For different drops or ointments, follow your provider’s instructions to maximize effectiveness.

This process takes less than two minutes and enhances the effectiveness of your drops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even when people know the steps, I still see mistakes that reduce effectiveness or risk eye health:

• Touching the bottle tip to your eye or lashes. Keep it at least 1 cm away to stay germ-free and avoid contamination.
• Blinking or squeezing your eyes immediately. Instead, close your eyes gently to help the drop settle and work effectively.
• Using expired drops. Always check the expiry date to avoid using ineffective or harmful medication. Most bottles should be discarded four weeks after opening.
• Sharing drops with others. Even between family members, sharing eye drops is unsafe and can spread infection. Always use your own bottle.

Avoid these mistakes to keep your drops clean and working well.

Practical Tips for Success

• Find a comfortable position. Some prefer sitting and tilting back; others prefer lying down. Try both. If you have weak hands or trouble with coordination, consider using special devices for applying drops. Look for eye drop guides or squeeze assist tools at your local pharmacy. Many patients need a week of practice before it feels natural, so don’t be discouraged if it takes time to find what works for you.
• Use a mirror – Especially when you’re starting out, applying drops in front of a mirror can help with coordination.
• Warm the bottle – If your drops feel cold, roll the bottle between your hands for a few seconds to make them more comfortable.
• Link eye drops to a daily task, like brushing your teeth, so you don’t forget. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one. Then skip the missed dose—never double up on it. Consistency keeps your drops effective. If you miss several doses, restart as usual and inform your optometrist about any issues or adjustments that may be needed.
• If you are unsure about your technique, ask for a demonstration to clarify your understanding. Your optometrist or pharmacist can show you the correct method in person, which many people find helpful.

Final Thoughts

The most important takeaways are to use drops correctly with the right technique, avoid common mistakes, and follow a routine. Doing these three things will help you get the most benefit from your eye treatment.

 

If you have questions, optometrists and pharmacists are available to help. Professionals prefer demonstrating technique rather than seeing a patient's condition worsen due to poor technique.

 

A free printable checklist, 'How to Use Eye Drops Correctly,' is available at the end of this article. Print and tape it near your mirror as a reminder to use your drops properly and maximize the benefits of your treatment routine.

 

Remember: Use one drop, wait one minute, and you will have healthier eyes. Let this simple rule guide your daily eye drop routine.