Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.  Be sure you wash between your fingers and at least as far up your arms as your wrist or forearm.  Dry your hands using a clean towel. Always be sure you clearly understand the directions on the bottle, or the instructions provided by your doctor.  Identify the eye you are instructed to place the drops in, and know how many drops you are to instill with each administration. (Usually it will be just one drop as the eye holds less volume than one typical drop.) Check the clock to be sure it is time for the next use, or make note of the current time so you will know the next time you are to use the eye drops. Look at the liquid inside the container closely.  Be sure you do not see anything floating in the solution (unless there are supposed to be particles in the drops).  Be sure the product says “ophthalmic” somewhere on the label. It is easy to confuse ear drops, that say “otic” on the label, with those that are to be administered in the eye.  Inspect the container to be sure it has not been damaged. Check the tip of the container, without touching it, to be sure there is no visible damage or discoloration. Do not use eye drops that have expired.  Eye drops contain preservatives to help keep the solution free of unwanted bacteria. However once the expiration date is passed, there is a risk that the product has been contaminated.  Some eye drops are to be used for no more than 30 days once the container has been opened. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist how long your product can be used once it has been opened. Use a clean cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or sweat from your eye area.  If available, use sterile dressing material, such as sealed 2 x 2 pads, to wipe around your eye area.  Use each pad or wipe only once, then discard.  Water applied to the cloth or pad may help in removing any crusted or hardened material around your eyes.  If you are treating an infected eye, wash your hands again after wiping away any crusted material before proceeding with instilling the eye drops. Avoid harsh shaking.  Gently shaking the bottle, or rolling the bottle between your hands, ensures the eye drop solution is evenly mixed. Some eye drop medications consist of a suspension of particles, so shaking will evenly mix these particles in the solution. Remove the cap from the bottle and place it in a clean place, like on a clean and dry towel. As you prepare to instill the eye drop, take precaution in every step to avoid touching any part of your eye, including your lashes, to the tip of the container.  Touching the tip of the container to your eye can spread germs into the solution, causing it to be contaminated.  By continuing to use a contaminated eye drop solution, you are at risk of re-infecting your eye with each drop used.  If you accidentally touch the container tip to your eye, wipe the tip with an alcohol pad (70% isopropyl alcohol) to sterilize it or purchase a fresh bottle or let your doctor know you need your prescription refilled. With the container in your hand, position your thumb against your skin, just above your eyebrow area. This helps to steady your hand as you administer your eyedrops. Position the eye drop container about ¾ inch above your lower eyelid to help avoid accidentally touching it to your eye area. With your head tilted back, gently pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger.  Pulling down your eyelid helps to create a space, or pocket, for the drop to settle into.  Look up at a fixed point above you. Focus on a spot on the ceiling or something above you and keep both eyes open. This helps to avoid blinking. Gently squeeze the container until a drop falls into the pocket made by pulling out your lower eyelid.  Close your eyes, but do not squeeze them shut. Keep your eyes shut for at least two to three minutes.  Tilt your head down as if you were looking at the floor while keeping your eyes closed for the two to three minutes.  Apply gentle pressure to the tear duct located on the inner part of your eye for 30 to 60 seconds. This helps the medication to remain in your eye area and also prevents the drops from going into the back of your throat, which can cause a bad taste. Use a clean tissue to gently blot any liquid that forms on the outside of your eye or cheek. If your prescription requires more than one drop for each dose, wait five minutes before you administer the second drop so it has time to absorb.  If you put a second medication in immediately after the first, it will wash away the first medication before it has had time to absorb. If you are to instill drops in both eyes, you can proceed with administering a drop to your other eye in about two to three minutes, once you have kept your eyes shut for the recommended amount of time. Place the top back on the container, without touching it or the tip.  Do not wipe the tip, and do not allow the tip to come into contact with anything. It is important to keep the solution free from contaminants.  Wash your hands to remove any medication or germs. If your doctor has prescribed more than one type of drop, wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before using the other eye medication. In some cases, ophthalmic ointments are prescribed along with drops. Use the drops first, then wait 10 to 15 minutes before applying the ophthalmic ointment. Most eye drops are to be stored at room temperature and some are to be kept in a cooler environment.  Many prescription eye drops are to be kept in the refrigerator between uses. Be sure you know how to store your eye drops. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.  Do not keep the eye drops in an area that is exposed to direct sunlight. Even though the manufacturer’s expiration date may still be valid, some drops need to be thrown away four weeks after opening.  Record the date you first opened the eye drop container.  Also check with the pharmacist or the product literature to determine if they should be thrown out and replaced four weeks after opening.
اغسل يديك اقرأ التعليمات. تفحّص القطارة. تحقق من تاريخ الانتهاء على العبوة. نظف منطقة العين. رجّ القطارة برفق. تجنب لمس طرف القطارة. ضع إبهامك فوق حاجبك. أمِل رأسك للوراء. اضغط على القطارة. انتظر لخمس دقائق قبل وضع قطرة ثانية. أعد الغطاء مكانه. انتظر 10-15 دقيقة قبل وضع قطرة من نوع آخر. احفظ القطرات بشكل سليم. انتبه لتاريخ الانتهاء.