Aakriti Garg Shukla, M.D. is a glaucoma specialist and Columbia University’s Leonard A. Lauder Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology. Applying the drops properly, however, isn’t always straightforward. In The Glaucoma Foundation’s January 2023 newsletter, Shukla answers six (6) common patient questions regarding their use.*

Six (6) common patient questions regarding eye drop use

How can I make sure the drop lands in my eye? 

Shukla says body and hand positioning is essential for the drop to land on your eye. She divides eye drop application into three steps.

• Lie flat, as on your bed, or sit back with your head (completely) horizontal.
• Rest your hand on the bridge of the nose or on the forehead or cheek to prepare.
•  “Gently squeeze” an eye drop from the bottle.

Some bottles may require a stronger squeeze than others, she says, while other bottles only need to be turned upside down for a drop to emerge. Some people also prefer to hold their lower eyelid open to ensure the eye doesn’t close during application.

Ok, the drop landed in my eye. Now what? 

To ensure absorption, Shukla says, close your eye for about one minute. Gently press on the inner corner of the eye, near the nose, to block the tear duct and prevent leakage. This practice helps to avoid body-wide side effects, which is important with beta-blocking medications like timolol.

The drops never land in my eye. What can I do?

Your ophthalmologist will advise you on what to do, but Shukla says an eye drop installer is an option. You can find these assistive devices online and at most pharmacies. She says study results are mixed, but most devices appear to be effective with less contact between bottle tip and the eye surface, and allow only one drop at a time. Patients mostly report ease of use.

Depending on your glaucoma type and personal disease factors, other options may be available. Treatments that don’t involve topical medications include selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and incisional glaucoma surgery.

How many drops from each bottle do I need?

Shukla says that one drop into the eye from each bottle is sufficient for each dose, but it’s best to follow your ophthalmologist’s recommendations. 

How long should I wait between different eye medications?

If you’re taking more than one eye drop medication at a time, it’s important to separate them by five (5) minutes. Shukla says it isn’t necessary (or practical) to separate multiple medications by an hour or more, as some of her patients are wont to do. 

Are there any side effects?

Yes, glaucoma medication side effects range from discomfort in the eye surface (often a sandy, grainy feeling) to heart rate changes, depending on the medication class. Shukla advises that you inform your ophthalmologist right away of any changes in your eye or general health.

*Shukla, A.G. (2023, January). Doctor, I Have a Question. How Should I Use My Eye Drops? The Glaucoma Foundation January 2023 Newsletter. https://mailchi.mp/glaucomafoundation/read-julys-newsletter-10334943