Can anyone else taste their eye drops?

[Toby_from_London]

Hi Everyone,

Since I had laser treatment last year as soon as I put my eye drops in I can taste them immediately, and for a long time afterwards. It’s as if I am putting them directly into my mouth!

Has anyone else experienced this? I have tried pushing against my tear ducts (as that is how I believe the drops can be transferred to the throat) but it doesn’t make any difference.

The permanent bad taste in my mouth is making me not want to eat so I have lost quite a lot of weight. Probably not a bad thing but it can’t go on indefinitely!

Does anyone else have this issue and have you found a solution?

Thank you.

[muddledme]

Hello Toby,

I have also tasted the eye drops occasionally, but it did not last long.

Do you press against the tear duct for 2 minutes ?

My Consultant told me to do this for three minutes, perhaps it may help.

If the taste persists you could ask your eye clinic, as it is so important to be able to take the drops without affecting your appetite.

Glaucoma UK helpline may have some good suggestions, as there are several different ways of instilling drops. Their downloadable eye drop leaflet could also be useful.

Best wishes

[Toby_from_London in reply to muddledme]

Thank you muddledme; that’s very useful advice🙂

[jesolo12]

Hi Toby I also have the taste in my mouth maybe 20 mins after using the drops and I press the corner of the eye for 3 mins ..

[Beecalmed]

Hello Toby! As muddledme has said make sure you gently press the tear duct for at least 2 minutes (I hold for 2.5 mins). I also avoid swallowing whilst I’m waiting as I think the pressure created by swallowing on the nasal region can encourage the drop via the back of the nose to the throat. (I think my mother told me this as she was advised to avoid doing this when taking drops.)As my eyes water a bit after taking the drop and my nose runs, then I’m sure drop fluid can end up in your nose and throat so I very gently blow my nose afterwards to clear any stray drop fluid.

Hope this helps. If not then report this issue to your consultant or GP.

[AlfredV]

A slightly different take to other replies. Could it be possible that it is not so much that you are tasting the drops, as the medication is altering your sense of taste? Something to consider. Maybe check the patient information leaflet to see if this is a potential side effect.

[HMThai]

Lie down, look up before using eye drops,do the punctual occlusion correctly,be patient for a few minutes keeping eyes closed.... sprinkle or spray water around the eyes keeping them closed to wash off any residue..... before going to bed dab a little organic coconut oil around the eye lids to keep them moist.... Good day from Thailand.