Eye drops made easy with this weeks video. Learn to put in or apply eye drops yourself with my administration guidelines.
Eye drops are not the easiest of medicines to administer, especially when you are doing it yourself. In this weeks video I show you my favourite wrist-knuckle technique for applying an eye drop and also give some pro tips that everyone should know.
This video was sponsored by Dr Fox (Online Doctor & Pharmacy):
https://www.doctorfox.co.uk
WRIST-KNUCKLE TECHNIQUE:
1. Check the expiry date on your eye drop bottle, and shake if required. 2. Wash your hands before opening the bottle.
3. Lie down or sit down and tilt your head back.
4. Make a fist with one hand and use your knuckles to pull your lower eyelid downwards. Place your other hand with the eye drop bottle onto your knuckles (see video).
5. Look up and squeeze one drop into your lower eyelid, making sure the nozzle does not touch your eye, eyelashes or eyelid.
6. Close your eye and press gently on the inner corner of your eye (punctum hold) for 1-2 minutes to ensure the drop is fully absorbed.
TOP TIPS WHEN USING EYE DROPS:
• Wash your hands and shake the bottle (if advised on the information leaflet) before use.
• Never share your eye drops with anyone else.
• Store them as instructed, whether that is at room temperature (never near a radiator) or in the fridge.
• Use your drops only within the expiry date on the bottle, and within the expiry once opened. This is usually 28 days once the bottle is open, but can vary for different eye drop bottles, so always check to ensure they are safe to use. This is to ensure they are not contaminated or have become less effective. It is a good idea to write the date that you open the bottle and the future expiry onto the label so you know when it will expire.
• Some of the single dose unit drops may be packaged within a sachet or pouch inside the box, and when the seal is open, all the drops within the sachet/pouch have a limited expiry date, for example seven days. Look at the leaflet that comes with your drops or check with your pharmacist to be sure you know the correct expiry once opened
• Order further supplies from your GP before your bottle has finished. This will ensure that you do not run out of drops.
• Use your eye drops at the same time each day, and as evenly spaced out throughout the day as possible.
• Only administer the number of drops advised by your clinician.
• If you are using more than one type of drop in the same eye, remember to leave a five minute gap between drops to allow the first drop to be absorbed. Otherwise, the second drop will wash the first drop out, causing it to have been ineffective.
• If you are using an eye ointment at the same time as your eye drops, always use your eye drops first and leave a five minute gap before using the ointment.
• If you are having difficulty opening your drop container or bottle, or having difficulty squeezing a drop into your eye, speak to your pharmacist as they can recommend useful administration aids that can help.
• If you use contact lenses, never put a drop in your eye whilst wearing a lens unless advised by your clinician and allow 15 minutes after using your drops before inserting a lens. Contact lens wearers should avoid using eye drops which contain preservatives. Please speak to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative preservative free eye drops.
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Disclaimer:
This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Abraham The Pharmacist has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.