Eye drops, whether prescribed or purchased over-the-counter, can support ocular health in many ways. They’re often used to relieve dry, itchy, and red eyes. In other cases, they may be prescribed to treat infections or glaucoma. But while these eye care medications have their benefits, patients must use caution with them. To help you protect your vision and get the most out of your treatment, here are three mistakes to avoid while using eye drops.

3 Common Eye Drop Mistakes

1. Mixing Products

Different types of drops may interact negatively and lessen their desired effect. If you must use two different types of products, ask your eye doctor how long you should wait between applications to ensure you get the full benefits of both treatments.

Similarly, be careful when using drops with contact lenses. Only certain products are approved for use with contacts, while others require taking the lenses out. Using unapproved products may impair the contacts or result in ineffective treatment.

2. Over-Applying  

If your eyes are particularly irritated, you may think applying more drops will help you find relief faster. However, most dosage instructions recommend only using one drop for each application. Using any more will cause the medication to drip out onto your face. Rather than wasting eye care medication, take steps to ensure complete coverage. Tilt your head back and hold the dropper bottle above the eye. When the drop settles on the surface, avoid blinking rapidly, as the motion may push the medication out. If you can’t avoid blinking, keep your eyes closed for about 30 seconds, while lightly pressing the tear duct to keep the liquid from spilling out.

3. Practicing Poor Hygiene

To prevent spreading bacteria to your eye, wash your hands with soap and water before administering drops. Additionally, avoid touching the tip of the bottle to your eye or lashes, as it may contaminate the area and cause irritation or infection. To keep your medication safe and sterile, don’t share drops with others.

Before using any eye drops, talk to a trusted vision care specialist at Kato & Shoji Optometrists. Providing family eye care in Honolulu, HI, these optometrists are equipped to diagnose and treat a variety of ocular conditions, including dryness and infection. Through careful evaluation, these doctors will make sure you’re receiving the best treatment for your vision and using your medications correctly. To learn more about their services, visit this Oahu eye care center online. To make an appointment, call (808) 735-8080.