Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases impacting the eyes. The Mayo Clinic explains that these diseases are often the result of unusually high pressure inside the eye that leads to optic nerve damage. Glaucoma is one of the top two causes of blindness. Over time, the disease can reduce vision to the point of blindness. Screening for glaucoma is one way to ensure early diagnosis and treatment to prevent or minimize the effects of the disease. Glaucoma drops are one way to treat the disease.
Step 1
Get into a comfortable position to allow you to be stable while applying the drops. Tilt your head backward in preparation for the drops. Using your index finger, gently pull the skin below the lower lid downward to create an opening. If necessary, use the thumb and forefinger to pull the skin away from the face to make a more accessible opening.
Step 2
Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket. Avoid touching the eye or eyelid with the dropper.
Step 3
Close your eyes, but do not shut them tightly or the drops may be pushed out.
Step 4
Press the inner corner of the closed eye(s) with your index finger and thumb or two index fingers. This assists the medication in staying in the eye instead of rolling elsewhere. Maintain the pressure for two minutes or as your doctor prescribes.
Step 5
Blot any excess medication around the eye with a tissue.
Tips and Warnings
- Try lying down on your side, closing our eyes and placing a drop on the inner corner of the eyelid. When you open your eyes, the drop will fall in. Speak to your doctor if you have difficulties in applying the medication due to unsteadiness or other problems. If you are unsure if the drop made it into the eye, allow another one to fall in. Glaucoma.org indicates that the eyelid can only hold one drop, so any excess will run out.
