What is the correct way of instilling the eyedrops?
What is the correct way of instilling the eyedrops?
Wash your hands.
Open the bottle and hold it with one hand, tilt your head back and look at the ceiling.
With the index finger of the other hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket.
Squeeze 1 drop into the pocket.
Do not let the bottle tip touch your eye, your fingers or any other surface
Blot out excess solution, which flows out with a tissue as some drugs can harm the skin around the eye.
To minimize absorption of the drug into the blood stream and maximize the amount of the drug absorbed in the eye and minimizing possible side effects- close your eye for 1 minute after putting the drops, do not blink, and press with your index finger lightly against the inferior nasal corner of your eyelid to close the tear duct which drains into the nose.
Remember:
If you are using more than one eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes before putting the second drop.
If you are not sure if the eyedrop entered the eye or not, instill another one. It is important to be sure that the eyedrop gets in contact with the surface of the eye.
Vid. 1. If you prefer, you can instill your eyedrops at seated position or laying down on your bed, or if you are not able to perform this task by yourself, it is possible to ask someone to help you. Also, ask your doctor as there are some devices that may help you instill the eyedrops
Fig. 1. Tear duct occlusion – pressing your finger between your eye and nose may temporary close the tear duct system and help minimize the anti-glaucoma eyedrop from reaching your nose/ throat and getting into the bloodstream (tear duct system located under the skin is represented in red).
It is important for you to get yourself regularly screened for glaucoma. If you have been diagnosed to have glaucoma, effective treatment options are now available and regular treatment and follow up can help you to preserve your vision for your lifetime, avoiding unnecessary fear of going blind.
You can live happily with glaucoma and enjoy an excellent quality of life, particularly if the disease is detected early and treated in time. Always remember that once you have glaucoma, you will have to be under the care of an eye doctor for the rest of your life.
There is a lot of research going on and new treatments may become available for glaucoma in the near future.
