Eye Drop UseAs needed
Medication / Eye Drop Use
Safe general habits for using eye drops and eye-related medicines.
Why it matters
Clean handling and correct use can reduce contamination and medication errors.
The tips
- Wash hands before using eye drops.
- Check the prescription before using drops.
- Do not share eye drops.
- Do not use someone else’s prescription drops.
- Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye, eyelashes, eyelid, fingers, skin, tissue, or any surface.
- Follow the schedule given by your clinician.
- Ask your clinician or pharmacist if you are unsure how to use drops.
- Wait 5 minutes between different eye drops.
- One drop is enough.
- Store drops as directed on the prescription.
- Do not stop prescribed eye medication without medical advice.
- Contact a clinician if drops cause severe pain, swelling, rash, or worsening symptoms.
Safe daily habits
- Wash hands well.
- Tilt the head back and pull down the lower eyelid gently.
- Do not let the bottle tip touch eyelashes, eyelids, the eye, fingers, skin, tissue, or any surface.
- Close the eye gently without squeezing and do not rub.
- Cap the bottle immediately.
When to ask an eye care professional
- Unclear instructions, severe pain, swelling, rash, or worsening symptoms.
Related reading
Have questions about your eyes?
This information is general education and does not replace a professional eye examination. If you are worried about your eyes, book an appointment.