Eye problems: Using eyedrops and eye ointment
What precautions should I take when using eyedrops and eye ointments?
Take these safety precautions when you use eyedrops or eye ointments:
- Wash your hands well before and after you insert the drops or ointment. If you have disposable medical gloves, wear them when you put eyedrops or eye ointments into someone else's eyes. Even if you wore gloves, wash your hands afterward.
- Be sure the dropper or tube is clean and does not touch the eye, eyelid, lashes, or any surface. This is to keep it free from bacteria. Eyedrops or ointments that get bacteria in them can easily spread the bacteria to the eye and cause an infection.
- If the dropper is separate from the bottle and touches the eye, do not put the dropper back in the bottle. Buy a new dropper at a drugstore.
- Do not use anyone else's drops or ointment.
- If you have an eye infection, do not wear contact lenses while you are using eyedrops or eye ointments unless your doctor has told you it is okay.
Sometimes eyedrops and eye ointments sting when you first put them in. But the stinging should go away after a few moments. When you put the medicine in your eye, you may also get a taste from it in your mouth. Or you may feel the drops in your nose, and some of the medicine may come out through your nose. These things are normal and will go away.
Eyedrops and eye ointments containing medicine can have side effects. Use them exactly as directed. Make sure you understand the directions, and do not use the drops or ointment longer or in larger amounts than your doctor tells you to. This can hurt your eyes.
If your doctor prescribed one type of eyedrop or eye ointment to treat one problem, do not use the same medicine to treat a different problem.
Between doses, store the drops or ointment as directed. This may mean keeping them in the refrigerator.
Do not save leftover drops or ointment.
Test Your Knowledge
I should touch the eyedropper or ointment tube onto the eye or eyelid to make sure that the drops or ointment will go into the eye.
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Why are eyedrops or ointments used?
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| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: December 6, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology | |
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