How do you administer eye drops to a patient?
With your index finger placed on the soft spot just below the lower lid, gently pull down to form a pocket. Look up. Squeeze one drop into the pocket in your lower lid. Don’t blink, wipe your eye, or touch the tip of the bottle on your eye or face.
Why do you administer eye drops in the lower conjunctival sac?
When instilling anesthetic drops, ask the patient to look down and direct the drop to the 12 o’clock position of the sclera. This method is used because drops placed into the conjunctival sac are used to dilate the eyes or instill a medication to be in contact with the eye for a period of time.
Which eye drops do you administer first?
If you’re using both an eye solution and an eye suspension, use the solution first. Then use the suspension. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you the difference between these types of medications. If you’re using eye drops and an eye ointment, use the eye drops first.
When is the best time to put eye drops?
Use eye drops before bed
If you frequently experience dry eyes in the morning, apply eyedrops to your eyes each night before bed. Also, certain types of lubricating eye drops or ointments are best used before bedtime because they’re thicker and can blur your vision.
Should you wear gloves when administering eye drops?
Always put on clean gloves before administering the medication. 5. Remove the lid from the eye drop bottle or eye ointment tube and lay it on a clean surface. It is very important to not let the tip of the dropper or tube touch the client’s eye or eyelashes nor your hands or fingers.
What is the route of eye drops?
The three primary methods of delivery of ocular medications to the eye are topical, local ocular (ie, subconjunctival, intravitreal, retrobulbar, intracameral), and systemic. The most appropriate method of administration depends on the area of the eye to be medicated.
What is the ophthalmic route?
Ophthalmic drug administration is the administration of a drug to the eyes, most typically as an eye drop formulation. Topical formulations are used to combat a multitude of diseased states of the eye. These states may include bacterial infections, eye injury, glaucoma, and dry eye.
Can enrolled nurses administer eye drops?
Yes. ENs who can administer medicines do not have a notation on their registration. This means they have successfully completed EN medication administration education. This education may have been completed before or after the introduction of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (National Scheme).
How far apart should eye drops be given?
One drop is more than can fit into your eye, so a second drop will just run down your cheek. SPACE OUT YOUR DROPS – when you are taking multiple drops, wait 5-10 minutes between each medication.
Is it safe to use outdated eye drops?
Eye drops usually expire about one to two years after the manufacturing date. However, once your eye drops are opened, you should throw them away after three months of use, as there is a greater risk of contamination. You should never use eye drops after their expiration date, or after three months of use.
Can I wash my eyes after putting eye drops?
If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait for ten minutes after the first drop and then put in the second drop. This will prevent the first drop from being washed out by the second before it has had time to work.
What happens if you put too many eye drops in?
However, prolonged use of the drops can actually cause a “rebounding” effect. Since blood flow slows or stops, less oxygen and nutrients can get to the sclera; in turn, the blood vessels respond by enlarging, causing a cycle of persistent redness and irritation.