Final Answer:
Patients should follow these steps to administer eye drops safely:
1.Wash hands thoroughly before handling eye drops.
2.Tilt head backward or lie down, look upward.
3.Pull down the lower eyelid to create a pocket.
4.Hold the dropper close to the eye, without touching it.
5.Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pocket.
6.Close eyes gently for a minute, avoiding blinking.
7.Wipe excess liquid and avoid rubbing the eyes.
8.Wait before applying another eye medication, if prescribed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proper administration of eye drops is crucial to prevent systemic toxicity or adverse effects. Here's a detailed breakdown of the steps:
1.Hand Washing: Always start by washing hands thoroughly to prevent contamination when handling eye drops.
2.Positioning: Tilt the head backward or lie down, looking upward toward the ceiling. This position helps in the accurate delivery of the drops.
3.Lower Eyelid: Using clean hands, gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket to receive the drops.
4.Dropper Positioning: Hold the dropper close to the eye but avoid touching the surface of the eye or eyelashes with the dropper tip.
5.Dropping the Medication: Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pocket created by pulling down the lower eyelid. Ensure the drops fall directly into the pocket.
6.Closing Eyes: Close the eyes gently for about a minute after administering the drops. This helps in the absorption of the medication and prevents rapid drainage.
7.Wiping Excess: Use a clean tissue to wipe away excess liquid around the eye. Avoid rubbing the eyes as it can cause irritation or distribute the medication unevenly.
8.Wait Time: If multiple medications are prescribed, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different eye drops to prevent dilution or interaction between medications.