which means "for eye use only. " �
Make sure you have the right dose. Check the amount of drug against what the doctor ordered.Never use anyone elses eye drugs, even if it is the same drug.Know if you are supposed to give the eye drops in one eye or both.Check the expiration date. Do not use it if it is expired.Store your eye drugs away from the sunlight. Ask if they need to be kept in the refrigerator.Wash your hands with warm, soapy water before touching your eye.If you wear contact lenses, take them out before using eye drops.
What happens during the procedure?
- Shake eye drops well before each use.
- Uncap the eye drop bottle and lay the cap on its side on a clean surface.
- Tilt your head back. Use one finger to gently pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch.
- With the other hand, squeeze the eye drop into the pouch. Do not touch the tip of the bottle to your eye or anything else.
- Gently close your eyes. Do not blink. You may want to put one finger on the inside corner of your eye by your nose. This helps the drop to stay in your eye.
- After 1 to 2 minutes, open your eyes and move your finger.
- Some people squint and struggle to put eye drops in. Try closing your eyes. Place eye drop in the corner of your eye near your nose. Slowly open your eye 1 time and then close it. The eye drop will fall right into your eye. Finish by holding your finger at the inside corner of your eye and keeping your eyes closed for 1 to 2 more minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue. Take care not to touch your eye.
- Wash your hands to remove any eye drops that may be on them.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. � �
What problems could happen?
- Mild itching
- Burning
- Stinging
- Blurred vision
- Eye infection
When do I need to call the doctor?
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
- If you have blurred vision for more than a few minutes after using your eye drops
Helpful tips
- If you are using more than 1 kind of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes before using the other eye drop.
- If you are also using an eye ointment, use the eye drops first and wait at least 5 minutes before using the eye ointment.
Where can I learn more?
American Society or Health-System Pharmacists � �
http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/MedicationTipsTools/HowtoAdminister/HowtoUseEyeDropsProperly.aspx � �
Glaucoma Research Foundation � �
http://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/eyedrop-tips.php � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �