Using eye drops properly is extremely important in ensuring that you receive the most benefit from the drug while avoiding any adverse effects. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Wash Your Hands: Start by washing your hands with soap and water. This is done to prevent dirt or bacteria from the hands going into the eyes.

Prepare the Eye Drops: If the eye drops must be shaken, gently shake the bottle so that the medication is mixed well. Some eye drops do not require shaking, so always check the instructions on the bottle.

Remove Contact Lenses (if applicable): If you have contact lenses, remove your contact lenses before applying the eye drops unless your doctor specifically directs you otherwise.

Tilt your head back: Tilt your head back slightly, or lie on a flat surface and look up to the ceiling.

Pull Down Your Lower Eyelid: Use one hand gently to pull down your lower eyelid so that it forms a small pocket between your eyelid and your eye.

Holding the Bottle: Hold the eye drop bottle in your other hand between your thumb and fingers, being very careful that you do not touch the tip of the bottle.

Administer the Drops: Position the dropper tip close to your eye but not touching it. Squeeze the bottle gently to release the prescribed number of drops into the pocket formed by your lower eyelid. Try to aim for the center of your eye.

Close Your Eye: Close your eye gently for a moment to allow spread of the drops over the surface of your eye. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eyelids tight as this can cause the drops to drain out of your eye too quickly.

Apply Pressure: After applying the drops, place your finger near the bridge of your nose and apply gentle pressure on the inner corner of your eye. This prevents the medicine from draining into the tear duct to be absorbed into the system.

Repeat (if needed): The same procedure is to be repeated for the other eye if it requires drops as well.

Replace Cap: Cap the eye drop bottle properly to prevent contamination and to keep the medicine sterile.

 Wait (if user multiple medications): If you’re using different types of eye drops, make sure to wait at least 5-10 minutes after administering each medication before continuing to allow for proper absorption of the first droplets.

Always adhere to the specific instructions in using your eye drops from your healthcare provider or pharmacist. If you have anything unclear or have pressing doubts regarding the dosage of your eye drops, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacy staff as they are the right people for guidance.