How do I insert eyedrops?

Putting drops in your eye may seem difficult at first but becomes easier with practice. Follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands prior to using your eyedrops.
2. Remove the cap. Do not touch the dropper tip.
3. Tilt your head back slightly.
4. Pull your lower lid away from the eye to form a “pocket” by: (a) pulling the lower lid down with your index finger or (b) pinching lid outward with thumb and index finger.
5. Hold the dropper tip directly over the eyelid pocket. (You may wish to brace your hand against your face or forehead to keep it steady.)
6. Look up and let the eyedrop fall into the pocket without touching the bottle to your eye or eyelid (to prevent contamination of the bottle).
7. Close your eyes (do not blink) and apply pressure to the point where the lids meet the nose. Hold for two to three minutes.
8. Before opening your eyes — and this is very important — wipe unabsorbed drops and tears from the closed lids with a tissue. Then open your eyes.
9. If you need to take more than one kind of eye medication at the same time, wait three to five minutes before using the second drop.