How to Take Your Eye Drops the Right Way

January 14, 2026

Proper use of your post-op eye drops is key to healing well. Usually you’ll have a few different drops (for example: an antibiotic, a steroid, and maybe an NSAID or other anti-inflammatory). Some may be combined to reduce the number of bottles. To instill drops correctly:

1) Wash your hands thoroughly.

2) Find a good mirror that you can get your face close to. With the eye open, use one hand to gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket.

3) Hold the drop bottle in your other hand, with the tip close to (but not touching) the eye – a good trick is to steady that hand by resting part of it on your forehead or bridge of nose.

4) Looking in the mirror, squeeze one drop into the pocket of the lower lid. You should feel it go in. There is no need to squeeze more than one drop into your eye at a time.

5) Blink a few times, then close your eyes gently if you need to (don’t squint hard, as that might pump the drop out).

6) It’s sometimes recommended to press lightly on the inner corner of the closed eye (near the nose) for about a minute. This punctal occlusion prevents the drop from draining quickly into your throat and keeps it on the eye longer, plus reduces any taste or systemic absorption.

7) Blot any excess liquid on your cheek with a clean tissue. If you have another drop to put in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before the next one so the first drop isn’t washed out – this spacing is important to ensure each medication works fully. Also, wait about 20 minutes before placing any artificial tears or lubrication drops in that eye. In general, the order of drops will not matter but do ask your eye doctor if there is any doubt. If you struggle with getting drops in, you can enlist a family member to help, or ask if there are any alternative methods (some pharmacies have devices to aid drop instillation). Always check that you’re using the correct drop at the correct times – many patients make a chart or use different colored caps to differentiate. Continue the drops for the full duration prescribed (often a few weeks with tapering schedule for steroids). If you accidentally miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but don’t double up if it’s close to the next time. Proper drop technique ensures you get the benefit of the medication (reducing inflammation, preventing infection) and heal without complications like prolonged swelling.