{"id":1058,"date":"2022-10-12T10:59:43","date_gmt":"2022-10-12T14:59:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=1058"},"modified":"2024-09-10T11:55:44","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T15:55:44","slug":"how-to-put-in-eye-drops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/how-to-put-in-eye-drops","title":{"rendered":"How To Put in Eye Drops"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s be real: Putting drops in your eyes isn\u2019t always the easiest task. Many people just tilt their head back, try to aim, and hope for the best. But whether it\u2019s over-the-counter <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/eye-drops-for-dry-eyes\">drops for dry eyes<\/a>, prescription drops for treating glaucoma, or another <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/eye-disorders-and-eye-diseases\">eye condition<\/a>, your eye drops aren\u2019t going to get the job done unless they\u2019re applied correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But don\u2019t worry! With the helpful tips you\u2019ll find in this guide (yeah, we\u2019ll toot our own horn\u2014they\u2019re pretty helpful!) and some practice, we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll feel more confident. Read along to learn the easiest way to put in eye drops, as well as some additional tricks for when aiming that tiny bottle gets difficult.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Put in Eye Drops Correctly\u2014A Step by Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best way to put in eye drops is by following the steps listed below. If needed, repeat these steps for the other eye and for subsequent drops.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Get Prepared<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before applying eye drops, it\u2019s a good idea to get yourself ready by doing the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Read all directions<\/strong>, including those on the box of eye drops and any special instructions provided by your eye doctor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always <strong>wash your hands<\/strong> thoroughly before touching your eyes or handling eye drops.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/how-to-take-out-contacts\">Remove contact lenses<\/a><\/strong> if you\u2019re wearing them. Most eye drops require the removal of contacts, but there are some that don\u2019t (i.e., some brands of preservative-free artificial tears). Check with your eye doctor if you\u2019re unsure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shake the bottle<\/strong> of eye drops well and then <strong>remove the cap<\/strong>, placing it on a paper towel or tissue (rather than the counter) to keep it clean. Ideally, if you can keep the cap in hand while applying your drops, that would be even better for hygiene. Just try to avoid touching the inner surface of the cap\u2014we don&#8217;t want germs getting in. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Tilt Your Head Back and Pull Down Your Lower Eyelid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tilt your head back a bit, and look up toward the ceiling with your eyes. (It might help to find a specific spot on the ceiling to focus on.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Place your index finger below your eye and pull down. Pulling the lower eyelid downward will create a little pocket\u2014perfect for catching eye drops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Apply a Drop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With your free hand, hold the bottle over your eye with the tip facing down. Without letting the dropper tip touch your eye, try to get it as close to your eye as possible. For more support and a steadier aim, try resting the hand that\u2019s holding the bottle against your forehead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make sure you\u2019re still looking up. Squeeze the bottle gently to allow a single drop to fall into the eyelid pouch you\u2019ve made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Close Your Eye and Press Your Finger on Your Tear Duct<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try to ignore that urge to blink rapidly or squeeze your eyes tightly shut. Instead, release your pull on the eyelid and gently close your eye. With your eye shut, use your index finger to press gently on the tear duct (the inside corner of your eye) to keep the drop from getting into your nose and throat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep your eye closed with your finger applying pressure for a minimum of 30 seconds to give your eye time to fully absorb the medicine. (For certain drops, your doctor may recommend doing this for longer\u2014up to two minutes.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tada! You did it! (We knew you could.) You can now repeat these steps for the other eye, if applicable. If you need to apply more than one drop to an eye, wait a good five minutes before applying the next drop\u2014this ensures that the eye drop is fully absorbed and able to work its magic. Wash your hands thoroughly when you\u2019re done applying drops to remove any excess from your hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Tips for Putting Eye Drops In<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some additional tips and reminders to keep in mind whenever you need to use eye drops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling eye drops or touching your eyes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow all instructions exactly (both on the box and from your eye doctor, who may have specific steps to follow).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wait five minutes in between drop applications to the same eye. This ensures the eye drop has enough time to be fully absorbed in the eye and doesn\u2019t just get flushed out by the next drop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wash your hands again when you\u2019re done applying your eye drops to get any excess off your hands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discuss any questions you have with your eye doctor to ensure you\u2019re putting in your eye drops correctly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019ts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t let the tip of the eye drop bottle touch your eye or eyelid, and don\u2019t touch it with your hands. This can transfer bacteria to the bottle tip, which can then contaminate the drops.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t wear <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/contacts\">contacts<\/a> when applying eye drops unless your eye doctor has approved this method and your drops are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/can-you-use-eye-drops-with-contacts\">made for use with contact lenses<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/do-eye-drops-expire\">eye drops that have expired<\/a>. Over time, eye drops can become less effective, and they\u2019re also more likely to become contaminated once the bottle has been opened.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t worry if some liquid flows out of your eye and onto your skin when applying an eye drop. This doesn\u2019t mean you need to apply more drops or that the drop you applied won\u2019t be effective. (Unless, of course, you missed your eye completely and simply watered your cheek.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t share eye drops with others\u2014doing so could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/eye-infections\">spread germs<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If You\u2019re Still Having Trouble Applying Eye Drops<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re still struggling with putting drops in your eyes, here are some ideas to ease the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>My hands are shaking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than approaching from the top with the bottle and resting your hand on your forehead, try coming in from the side and resting your hand across the chin and the side of your lips. This approach can offer more support for your hand to help keep you steady.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alternatively, you could try resting your hand on the hand that\u2019s pulling open your eyelid\u2014do whatever feels the most comfortable for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I keep flinching or missing my eye<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try lying down with your head tilted back and your eye closed. Squeeze the drop into the inner corner of your eye, and then pull your eyelid down with your finger and open your eye slightly until you feel the drop roll into your eye. Release your eyelid, close your eye, and press your finger gently on your tear duct as described above in step four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I\u2019m having trouble keeping a good hold of the bottle<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can be tough to hold onto a small bottle of eye drops securely. If that\u2019s the case for you, try wrapping something like a washcloth or paper towel around the bottle to widen it and give you a better grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When It Comes To Aiming Eye Drops, Practice Makes Perfect&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learning how to put in eye drops may seem daunting\u2014maybe even impossible\u2014but we believe you\u2019ll get the hang of it after a few (okay, possibly more than a few) tries. We hope the steps and tips you\u2019ve found here have been helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you continue having trouble applying eye drops, try having a family member or friend help you, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/appointments\/eye-exams\/booking\">contact your eye doctor<\/a> for further advice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let\u2019s be real: Putting drops in your eyes isn\u2019t always the easiest task. Many people just tilt their head back, try to aim, and hope for the best. But whether it\u2019s over-the-counter drops for dry eyes, prescription drops for treating glaucoma, or another eye condition, your eye drops aren\u2019t going to get the job done [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":1059,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1058","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-eye-health","category-how-to"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Put in Eye Drops | Warby Parker<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Putting in eye drops isn\u2019t the easiest task! 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