Our eyes contains the fluid to keep it moist and also for protective purposes. Adequate fluid in the eyes is also needed to flush out accumulated dirt in the eyes. Dryness of the eyes could cause irritation, pain and possible eye infection. There are some cases that the eye chamber itself cannot produce adequate amount of fluid that will circulate in the eyes. This requires corrective or surgical procedure. Extremes of weather can also cause dryness of the eyes. And one of the most common methods employed to minimize eye dryness is the use of eye drops. However, it should be carefully administered to achieve comfort and effectiveness. People should know that there is a correct technique in instilling an eye drop and it should be followed conscientiously.

To help you out, here are the following simple guidelines in correct installation of eye drops using the open-eye method.

• Always start the procedure with proper handwashing using soap and clean water. Thoroughly wash your fingers and even the interdigital spaces. As much as possible, we maintain medical asepsis or cleanliness during the entire eye drop instillation. Then, pat your hands with a clean and dry towel.
• Hold your eye drop first. Read the label if it requires to be shaken. Other commercial are eye drops needs to be shake before using while it is not necessary for some.
• Then, pull up the cap of the eye drop. Get a clean cotton ball or tissue paper and wipe the mouth ring of the eye drop. This is to ensure that contamination is put to a minimum.
• Tilt the head of the person using your non-dominant hand. Pull down the lower lid using the dominant hand.
• Instruct the person to look up before the eye drop installation. Read the label or instruction on how many drops should be administered. It usually depends on the age and 2-3 drops a day is the most common.
• Then, gently squeeze the eye drop bottle. Make sure that you drop in the space between the eyeball and the lower lid.
• Instruct the person to close his eyes for several minutes. Shift the direction of you’re eyeballs, try to look down. This maneuver allows the eye drops to be distributed in the eye and it also seal off the tears to prevent the eye drop from draining off immediately.

Another basic method used in correct eye drop installation is the close method and it is done through the following.

• Same with open-eye method, hygiene and bottle cleaning must be observed prior to the start of the procedure. All material must be within easy reach.
• Then, lie in the supine position or flat on your back.
• With eyes close, squeeze the eye drop. Open your eyes and instill the recommended number of drops in the inner eyelid.
• The, close your eyes again for equal distribution of the eye drop, try to look down.
Both methods could either be done alone or with assistance from another person. Always remember that eye drops should be prescribed by a healthcare professional to ensure health and safety.