Eye drop instillation
Eye drop instillation
Instilling eye drops correctly is a technique that eludes many people, but getting it right can make a significant difference in terms of glaucoma management, so run through the process, modifying it according to the specific product(s) being used.
Instilling eye drops
Wash hands and find a comfortable position, which may be standing, sitting in a chair (possibly in front of a mirror) or lying down
Shake bottle if appropriate
If standing or sitting, pull down the lower lid of the eye with one hand to create a pocket between the lid and the eye itself, then with the other hand squeeze or tap the bottle so the drop goes into the pocket
Alternatively, make a fist with one hand and place it on the cheek, slightly pulling down the eyelid with the knuckle to create a pocket, then hold the bottle in the other hand, resting it on the fist so it is above the eye, and squeeze or tap the bottle so the drop lands in the pocket
If lying down, balance the bottle on the bridge of the nose, then look upwards and squeeze or tap the bottle to dispense the drop. If it falls into the corner near the nose, turn the head slightly to the side to encourage the drop to run into the eye
If the eye drop doesn’t land where it needs to, repeat the process
Immediately after putting in the drop, close the eye and press gently on the corner of the eye by the nose for around a minute to block the tear duct and prevent it running into the throat
If more than one eye drop is being used, wait at least five minutes between products. At least 15 minutes should elapse between instilling eye drops and inserting contact lenses
Eye drop dispensing aids can help if physical problems hinder instillation, although only some are prescribable (at the time of writing, various models of Opticare plus EyGuide and ComplEye were listed in the Drug Tariff). Glaucoma UK has a list of which aid fits which product as well as a description of each.
This is an area where the pharmacy team can make a real difference in terms of ordering aids and demonstrating how to use them when they arrive. If there isn’t an eye drop dispensing aid available for the product a patient is using and they continue to struggle, suggest they speak to their ophthalmologist to have an alternative prescribed.
Information leaflets on eye drop administration are available from the Moorfields website.