Eye Drops

Eye drops are a key part of your ophthalmologist’s tool kit. Some of the common eye drops you might encounter are:

• Dilating drops during eye exams
• Redness-relieving drops
• Lubricating drops for dry eye
• Itch-relieving (anti-allergy) drops
• Numbing drops before surgery
• Antibiotic drops for some infections
• Pressure-lowering drops for long-term treatment of glaucoma
• Steroid eye drops to treat severe inflammation (swelling, redness, irritation). These eye drops should be taken carefully under your doctor's supervision.

How often should I use eye drops?

Make sure to put in the right amount of eye drops at the right time. For prescription drops, your doctor will specify how much and how often to use them. These instructions should also appear on the bottle’s label. For over-the-counter eye drops, follow the instructions on the package or package insert.

How do I use eye drops? 

It can be tricky to use eye drops without spilling, missing your eye, or using more than you need to. Learn how to put in eye drops and get help if you need it.

How can I tell if medicine is meant for the eye?

• Never put anything in your eye that isn’t made to go in your eye. All medication—prescribed and over the counter—should  have clear instructions on the label for how to use them. If the label doesn't tell you how to use it, do not use it.    
• Avoid eye drop mix-ups. Ear drops and other medication can look like eye drop bottles. Read the medicine's label out loud before using it.

If you are ever unsure about how to use any medication, be sure to ask your doctor or your pharmacist.

Your ophthalmologist can tell you more about eye drops whether they are prescribed, used before or after surgery, or purchased over the counter.