How To Apply Eye Drops

Eye drops are a form of liquid medication that you apply directly onto the eyes to treat or soothe symptoms such as dryness or irritation.

They can contain different kinds of medication (such as lubricant, antibiotics, anti-inflammation etc.) to treat different conditions.

These are one of the most common ways to treat eye conditions.

The guide below will show a step by step explanation on how to correctly apply eye drops.

Other important information:

Before using the eye drops, read the label on the bottle carefully.
Record the date opened on the eye drop bottle. Throw it away immediately once contaminated or after reaching its in-use shelf life as recommended by the manufacturer.
If you need to apply eye drops and ointment together, you should apply the eye drops first before applying the ointment. Wait for 5 minutes before applying another eye drop or ointment.
Some eye drops or ointments may cause temporary blurring of vision.
If you experience blurred vision, you should avoid driving or doing things in places with poor lighting.

For Contact Lens Wearers:

Remove your contact lens before each application of medication.
If you are using hard lens, you can put them on directly after applying the eye drops.
If you are using soft lens, you can put them on 30 minutes after applying the eye drops. Otherwise, your lens may be damaged by the preservatives present in the eye drops.
If you need to apply eye drops twice a day, it is recommended that you apply them once in the morning before you put on your lens, and at the end of the day after you remove your lens.
If you are unsure, check in with your doctor/pharmacist.

Applying Eye Drops For Yourself

Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then wipe them dry.

Step 2: Shake the bottle gently to mix its contents.

Step 3: Open the bottle by removing the cap.

Step 4: Hold the bottle as if you are holding a pen, unless otherwise instructed.

Step 5: You may sit or lie down. Tilt your head back slightly and look up. Using the index finger of your free hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket.

Step 6: Hold the bottle at an angle above your eye.

Step 7: Gently squeeze the bottle to apply 1 drop into the pocket. Ensure the bottle tip does not touch your eye, lid or lashes.

Step 8: Close your eyes gently and wipe away any excess from your cheeks. Do not squeeze your eyes.

Step 9: Perform punctal occlusion by closing your eye and pressing down gently on the inner corners of your eyes. This prevents the eye drop from draining into the back of the throat and allows better absorption.

Step 10: Replace the cap and close the bottle tightly.

Step 11: Store the bottle in a cool, dry area or as instructed on the label.

Applying Eyedrops For Others

Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them.

Step 2. Shake the bottle gently to mix its contents.

Different medications may have different recommended storage conditions. Refer to the specific medication article for recommended storage conditions.

Different medications may have different recommended ways to be thrown. Refer to the specific medication article for instructions on how to throw this medication.

Disclaimers

The content of this article does not replace the information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore.

Last Updated on May 2026