How To Properly Self-administer Eye Drops

It is not uncommon to see people frequently using eye drops for their eye care. Medicated eye drops contain saline which is used as a medium to deliver some medicinal compounds to the eyes. The chemical composition of eye drops depends on the eye condition for which they are used. Eye drops may contain: saline-steroids, antihistamines, sympatho-mimetics, beta receptor blockers, , non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical anesthetics. Eye drops may not always contain any medicine and may be used for only lubrication or tear-replacing purposes. They sometimes contain chemicals which help in the reduction of redness of the eyes.

Using eye drops is at times difficult, especially when it is self-administered. Using a mirror or getting some one to put them for you would make the process easier. Since eyes are delicate organs of our body, a great amount of hygiene is needed when eye drops are being administered, the first of which is to wash your hands thoroughly. Next you must check whether the dropper is in good condition, and not chipped or broken. All care must be taken to avoid the dropper touching the eye or any other object. You must ensure that the eye drop as well as the dropper is kept in clean and hygienic conditions. While putting the eye drops, you naturally have to tilt your head backwards. You could pull down your lower lid using your index finger, so that a neat pocket is formed for the eye drop to penetrate. The dropper needs to be squeezed gently, so that the requisite numbers of drops are administered into the eyes. After administering, you need to close your eyes for a few minutes. The dropper should never be rinsed or washed and the eye drops should always remain closed and beyond reach of children.

The use of eye drops should be stopped immediately, if you start having any major problem or side effects. For instance, you must stop taking beta blocker eye drops if you get asthma. Also, if your eyes become sore or red, eye drops should be stopped immediately. When you get side effects, it means that this particular eye drop may not be suitable for you and your doctor may prescribe another kind or may decide to stop eye drops completely. It is also important to remember never to share your eye drop with others. Unless recommended by your eye doctor, contact lenses must be removed before treating your eyes with eye drops. This is important because some eye drops contain chemicals, which are absorbed by contact lenses and can cause adverse reactions. Then there are some eye drops which cause temporary blurred vision, but clears up gradually. Do not drive or operate any machinery, till your vision is completely clear, if you are using such eye drops. For pregnant and breast feeding mothers, it is always advisable to consult your health provider before administering eye drops. This is because some compounds in eye drops can get absorbed into the blood stream, which may be harmful to the fetus or the baby.