Guide to using eye medications given to you at the clinic

Here is a brief guide to using eye medications given to you at the clinic. We hope that this helps you apply eye drops and ointments correctly and improves your treatment outcomes.

Steps for applying your eye medications correctly

1. Wash your hands properly and dry them.
2. Pick up your medication. If it is an eye drop, shake it well to ensure that the content is evenly mixed.
3. Remove the cap of the container taking care not to touch the tip.
4. Tilt your head backwards and face the ceiling.
5. Pull your lower eyelid down with one hand to create a pouch.
6. Hold the container or tube in the other hand and raise it about 1 inch directly above the pouch in your lower eyelid.
7. Apply your medications.
   • For Eye Drops: Let a drop from the bottle drop into the pouch. If the drop fails to come out of the bottle, gently squeeze the bottle. Do not squeeze too hard to avoid applying more than a drop at a time.
   • For Ointments: Gently squeeze the ointment tube to release the content and apply a thin line in the lower lid. When you are done, rotate the ointment tube. This will help detach the ointment in the lower lid from the tube.
8. Close your eye and use your finger to press the inner corner of your eye for a minute.
9. Put the medication in the other eye exactly as you did with the first eye.
10. Cover the container of the medication and store it in a cool, dry place.

Tips to help you remember to apply your medications

Set reminders on your phone. Have a reminder for each time of the day you want to apply your medications. For instance, if you apply your medication 2 times a day, you can set a morning reminder that goes off every day at 7 a.m. and another reminder that goes off every day at 9 p.m.

Stack your treatment with an activity you perform at the same time you are supposed to apply it. For instance, you can apply your medications daily after eating or bathing in the morning and at night.

Place your medication in a safe but easily noticeable place. E.g. a tabletop or counter in your room that you always go to in the morning and at night.

Use a calendar or medication journal and check off when you apply each treatment. In addition to being a reminder, it also serves as a medication tracker that helps you track how many times you apply your medication and the number of applications left.