Eye Drops

Tips for Using Eye Drops, Eye Ointments, and Compliance Aids

• Soft contact lenses should be removed before using eye drops to prevent accumulation of drugs and preservatives that could harm the eye.
• Children and babies may resist eye drops, but wrapping them tightly in a blanket or demonstrating on a toy can help.
• Preservative-free single-use eye drops are available for patients who are allergic to preservatives in multi-dose eye drop preparations.
• Eye drop dispensers like Opticare make instilling eye drops easier for patients with impaired manual dexterity or arthritis.
• Eye ointments are an alternative to eye drops and may be easier for some patients to use, but they can cause transient blurred vision.
• Eye ointments should be applied by gently pulling down the lower eyelid and squeezing about 1 cm of ointment into the pocket.
• Excess eye ointment should be wiped away with a clean tissue and the cap of the tube should be replaced.
• Eye ointments should be discarded four weeks after opening.
• To improve the flow of eye ointment, warm the container in the hands prior to use.
• Eye drops should be used before eye ointments, and if using two types of eye ointment, wait 10 minutes between applications.
• The tip of the ointment tube should not come in contact with the eye, eyelashes, or any other surface.
• Generally, contact lenses should not be worn while using eye ointments.

Tips for Administering Eye Ointment and Inhalers

• Wrapping a child tightly in a blanket or having someone hold them can help minimize wriggling when applying eye ointment.
• If the child is cooperative, tilt their head back or lie them flat on their back to apply the ointment.
• If the child refuses to blink, gently massage the lower lid to distribute the ointment.
• Inhalers deliver medication directly to the lungs, reducing systemic side effects.
• There are several types of inhalers available, including metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers.
• To use a metered dose inhaler, remove the cap, shake the inhaler, test it if new, tilt the head back, breathe out gently, put the mouthpiece in the mouth, and press down while breathing in slowly.
• Hold the breath for 5-10 seconds, then breathe out slowly. Wait 30 seconds before taking a second dose, if needed.
• Using a spacer device can make inhalers easier to use successfully.
• To keep inhalers clean, remove the canister from the plastic mouthpiece and wash in warm water twice a week.
• Keep track of the amount of medicine left in the inhaler to ensure a constant supply.
• For multiple types of inhaled medication, take bronchodilating inhalers first, followed by corticosteroid inhalers.
• Spacers should be replaced every 12 months and washed occasionally with warm soapy water to minimize static charge buildup.