Using Eyedrops

It is important to understand and follow your health care provider's directions so that you can give your child eyedrops safely and correctly.

• Read the label carefully before giving your child medicine and be sure it is labeled for ophthalmic (eye) use.

• To apply the drops:

  • Wash your hands before and after using the eyedrops.

  • If your child's eyes are crusty, clean them first with a wet, warm washcloth or cotton ball (using a separate one for each side) by wiping from the inside corner of the eye to the outer corner. If you have trouble removing the crust, leave the wet washcloth or cotton ball on the closed eye for a couple of minutes before wiping.

  • Have your child lie on his or her back on a flat surface. Place a pillow or rolled up towel under your child's shoulders so the head is tilted back and the chin is up.

  • If your child needs help staying still, have someone help you. Or, you may sit with your child's head between your thighs and the arms under your thighs.

  • For infants, it may be helpful to gently swaddle your baby's arms and hands in a blanket while you give the eyedrops. This will keep the baby from grabbing the bottle.

  • Shake the bottle before using, if recommended.

  • Ask your child to look up.

  • Place the wrist of the hand you are using to give the drops against your child's face to keep your hand steady.

  • Hold the dropper about 1 inch above the eye.

  • Do not let the dropper touch your child's eye, your hands, or any other surface.

  • Gently pull down your child's lower eyelid, forming a small pouch.

  • Drop the medicine into the pouch of the lower eyelid and have your child gently close or blink the eye for a minute to allow the drop to spread out over the eyeball.

  • If you have trouble getting the drop in your child's eye, you can put the drop on the inner corner of your child's closed eye. When your child opens the eye, the medicine will flow into it. Your child's eye may sting for about a minute after the medicine is put in.

  • Wipe away any extra medicine or tears with a clean tissue.

  • Recap the medicine bottle securely.

• If you need to give another type of eyedrops, wait a few minutes before using the second medicine.

• Safely store the medicine out of the reach of children.

• You are having trouble giving your child the eyedrops.

• Your child develops a fever, new or increased swelling, or redness or tenderness in the eyelids or around the eye.

• Your child's eye burns for longer than about a minute after drops are given.

• Your child has any changes in vision or light bothers the eyes.

• Your child's symptoms don't get better after you follow the health care provider's instructions.