Using eye drops, or artificial tears as they're also called, becomes quick and easy once you’ve practised a few times. Our head optician recommends following these simple steps to ensure the proper application of your eye drops and prevent wasted drops.
Before you apply eye drops or touch your eyes, wash and dry your hands.
Sit comfortably and tilt your chin upwards. Look up and gently pull your lower lid down, using two fingers of your non-dominant hand.
Support your dominant hand with your non-dominant hand to prevent your wrist from slipping. Now squeeze the eye drop bottle gently, keeping it a safe distance from your eye, and apply one drop.
Close your eye and blink a few times, to distribute the drop evenly. Now wipe away any extra drops with a clean tissue and repeat for the other eye.
Dry eye syndrome is an eye condition that can be very uncomfortable and impact on the quality of your vision. Many people are affected by dry eyes for various reasons, including allergies, glaucoma, a lack of sleep and dehydration.
If you’re suffering from dry eyes, eye drops are a fast and effective way to treat the condition and enjoy soothing relief. There are lots of brands and types of eye drops available, from the bestselling Blink Contacts and Everclear eye drops available at Vision Direct, to prescription eye drops that are used to treat specific eye conditions. When choosing eye drops, ensure that they are suitable for you, especially if you wear contact lenses, and always read the instructions before using them.
Applying eye drops becomes quick and easy after you’ve done it a few times. Always wash and dry your hands before you start, and ensure that the eye drops you are using are compatible with your condition and contact lenses. Never use someone else’s eye drops, and if the bottle is open and you haven’t opened it, discard it.
To apply your eye drops, sit comfortably and tilt your chin so that you are looking up at the ceiling. Now gently pull down your lower eyelid using two fingers of your non-dominant hand (the one you don’t use to write) and use your dominant hand to squeeze one drop into each eye. Close your eyes and blink a few times to distribute the drop evenly, then wipe away any extra drops with a clean tissue.
For safety and convenience, always support your dominant hand by placing the wrist on the knuckles of your non-dominant hand, before you apply the drops. This stops your hand from slipping. It’s also important to keep the bottle a safe distance from your eye.
Contact lens wearers can use eye drops to improve comfort and prevent blurry vision, but be mindful: while our eye drops are compatible with contact lenses, not all eye drops are compatible with contact lenses. Only use eye drops that specifically state they are compatible with contact lenses on the bottle. Never use a brand of eye drops that is not specially formulated for use with contact lenses, if you are wearing contacts. Consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist if you're unsure. Drops will soothe and moisturise your eyes, helping you to wear your lenses for longer without any problems. During the day, if you feel that your eyes are irritated, eye drops can also help to remove any dirt or debris that might be causing your vision to blur or become distorted.
For personalised advice on anything to do with contact lenses, eye care or eye drops, call our friendly customer support team on 01 513 4141 in Ireland or email help@visiondirect.ie. Our customer service team are on call Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 21:00 and Saturday from 8:00 to 18:00 to help you with anything you might need
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