Health Tip: Putting Medicine in Your Eyes

(HealthDay News) — You may be wary about applying those new eyedrops prescribed by your doctor.

The Cleveland Clinic recommends:

  • Use warm water and soap to wash your hands, then dry with a clean towel. Either grab a mirror or lie down before applying the medicine.
  • Look up at the ceiling, then use one hand to pull down the lower eyelid. Hold the medicine in your other hand, resting on your forehead if needed.
  • Without letting the tip of the bottle or tube touch the eye, gently place the medicine inside your lower eyelid. Then close your eye.
  • If you are taking both an ointment and an eye drop, put the eye drop in first. Wait about five minutes before applying the ointment.