The nurse is administering eye drops to a client where should the nurse place the drops

Incorrect Use Wastes Eye Drops

Eye drops are used to treat many common conditions. They may be used for itchy or tired eyes as in allergies. They may be prescribed for viral or bacterial infections or other conditions such as glaucoma. When eye drops are not administered (used) properly the full benefit of the medication may not be realized. If the drop does not fall directly onto the eye, then there will be waste because it will roll down the cheek or into the tear duct. The lower lid should be pinched slightly and pulled down and out to form a pocket. To release a drop, turn the container upside down and squeeze. Some people find this difficult. You may try lying down and then pulling the lower eyelid to form the pocket. The easiest solution is to have someone else administer the drops. Remember to wash your hands before and after administering the drops. It is very important to remember that the dropper should NOT touch the eye or your fingers. This might contaminate the eye drops. Eye drops should never be shared with anyone. Follow the directions on the label and ask the pharmacist to help you understand how to use them. Most eye drops are stored in a cool dry place and should not be used longer than one month after the bottle is opened, unless otherwise stated on the label. Your pharmacist may recommend a nonprescription eye drop if appropriate for your problem and can answer any questions you may have about prescription or over-the counter eye drops.

The Proper Way to Use Drops

Almost everyone has used eye drops at some time—perhaps to treat an eye infection, to rewet contact lenses, to soothe dry or irritated eyes, or prior to or after eye surgery. There is a right way to use eye drops, although many people administer the drops incorrectly, resulting in spillage and waste. The following list of steps will help patients get the maximum benefit from their eye drops.

Follow These 7 Steps:

1. Always wash your hands first before administering eye drops.
2. Shake the bottle if indicated on the label. If the bottle has been refrigerated, warm it between your hands to room temperature.
3. Gently clean the eyelids if they are crusty with discharge by wiping the lid from the inner corner to the outer corner with the eye closed using with a cotton ball dampened with warm water.
4. Tilt back the head, or lie down, and look upward. Using the thumb and index finger, gently pinch and pull the lower eyelid downward to form a pocket.
5. Place the eye drop or drops into the pouch formed in the lower lid, not directly into the eye. If an eye ointment is used, place a 1/4 inch line of ointment into the lower lid pouch. Be careful that the dropper or ointment tube does not touch the eye.
6. Close your eye gently for 1 to 3 minutes or as instructed by the doctor to allow the medication to be absorbed. Some doctors recommend pressing the finger against the inner corner of the eye to keep the medication from going into the tear duct.
7. If another drop of eye medication is needed, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before administering the second eye drop so the first drop will not be washed out of the eye. The small pouch formed by the lower lid will only hold one drop at a time, and extra drops will either flow into the tear duct (and out of the eye) or down the face.

Other Helpful Hints for the Proper Use of Eye Drops or Ointments

• Check the label on your eye drop or ointment to see if refrigeration is necessary.
• Always recap the bottle or tube immediately after use. Never wipe or rinse the tip of the dropper to avoid contamination.
• Many eye medications cause a slight stinging sensation after instillation. Tell your doctor if this sensation lasts more than a minute or two.
• Eye ointments cause a blurring of vision. This is normal, and should go away in a few minutes.
• Never wear contact lenses while using eye drops or ointments unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
• If you are told to use an eye drop and an eye ointment at the same time, use the eye drop first, wait a few minutes, and then use the ointment.

EYE DROPS TIPS

Start by tilting your head backward while sitting, standing, or lying down. With your index finger placed on the soft spot just below the lower lid, gently pull down to form a pocket.

Look up. Squeeze one drop into the pocket in your lower lid. Don’t blink, wipe your eye, or touch the tip of the bottle on your eye or face.

Close your eye. Keep closed for three minutes without blinking.
Optional: Gently press on the inside corner of your closed eyes with your index finger and thumb for two to three minutes (to keep the drops from draining into your throat and getting into your system).

Blot around your eyes to remove any excess.

If you are still having trouble putting eye drops in, here are some tips that may help:

IF YOUR HANDS ARE SHAKING
Try approaching your eye from the side so you can rest your hand on your face to help steady your hand.

If shaky hands are still a problem, you might try using a 1 or 2 pound wrist weight (you can get these at any sporting goods store). The extra weight around the wrist of the hand you’re using can decrease mild shaking.

IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE GETTING THE DROP INTO YOUR EYE
Try This. With your head turned to the side or lying on your side, close your eyes. Place a drop in the inner corner of your eyelid (the side closest to the bridge of your nose). By opening your eyes slowly, the drop should fall right into your eye.

If you are still not sure the drop actually got in your eye, put in another drop. The eyelids can hold only about one drop, so any excess will just run out of the eye. It is better to have excess run out than to not have enough medication in your eye.

HAVING TROUBLE HOLDING ONTO THE BOTTLE?
If the eye drop bottle feels too small to hold (in cases where a dropper isn’t used and the drop comes directly from the bottle), try wrapping something (like a paper towel) around the bottle.

You can use anything that will make the bottle wider. This may be helpful in some mild cases of arthritis in the hands.

Assistive devices are available to help you put in your eye drops.

REMEMBER

1. Follow your doctor’s orders.
2. Be sure your doctor knows about any other drugs you may be taking (including over-the-counter items like vitamins, aspirin, and herbal supplements) and about any allergies you may have.
3. Wash your hands before putting in your eye drops.
4. Be careful not to let the tip of the dropper touch any part of your eye.
5. Make sure the dropper stays clean.
   If you are putting in more than one drop or more than one type of eye drop, wait five minutes before putting the next drop in. This will keep the first drop from being washed out by the second before it has had time to work.
6. Store eye drops and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Last reviewed on June 01, 2020

When administering eye drops to a client where should the nurse place the drops?

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