The Correct Way to Use Eye Drops

By Dr. Abdalrahman Alabsi – Ophthalmologist | Last reviewed: October 2026

1. Wash your hands well before touching the eye drops or your eye.

2. Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull the lower eyelid down to form a pocket.

3. Place the drop directly into the pocket without letting the dropper touch your eye or lashes, to avoid contamination.

4. Close your eyes gently for 1–2 minutes and press lightly on the inner corner of the eye (near the nose) to keep the medication from draining away too quickly.

5. If you use more than one type of drop, wait at least 5 minutes between them so the second drop doesn't wash out the first before it is absorbed.

References

1. Zimmerman TJ, Kooner KS, Kandarakis AS, et al. Improving the therapeutic index of topically applied ocular drugs. Arch Ophthalmol. 1984;102(4):551-3. doi:10.1001/archopht.1984.01040030429017

2. Baudouin C, Labbé A, Liang H, et al. Preservatives in eyedrops: the good, the bad and the ugly. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2010;29(4):312-34. doi:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2010.03.001

3. Jones L, Craig JP, Markoulli M, et al. TFOS DEWS III: Management and Therapy. Am J Ophthalmol. 2025;279:289-386. doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2025.05.039