Help recommendations needed on eye droppers

[Eyedrop]

Hiya, I was diagnosed with glaucoma in one eye yesterday and have been given drops to use both eyes and will be seen in 6 weeks. Trying to put a single drop in was harder than I imagined as I couldn't feel it going in so don't know how many actually went in. I've seen online boots do a dropper does anyone know if thes are any good? Thanks in anticipation

[Hollyberry3]

Hi Eyedrop. Maybe contact the Glaucoma Clinic at your hospital and ask if there is a particular dropper they recommend.Regarding applying eyedrops yourself, I have found that standing in front of a mirror help.

[muddledme]

Hello Eyedrop,

If your eye drops are OK to be stored in the fridge ( it will tell you on the patient information leaflet in the box ) then I find it helpful to keep them cold and so much easier to know when they go in.

There are many devices available to help instill drops but you would need to make sure that you get the correct device for your type of eye drop.

Glaucoma UK did an excellent webinar on the various devices a few months ago, this should be available on their website or contact the Glaucoma UK helpline;

01233 64 81 70.

Best wishes

[AlfredV]

Just a thought. I only used to be able to get drops in infront of a mirror. Even then, the left eye was a struggle and I frequently missed, with the drop running down my cheek.

I use preservative free lubricating drops frequently due to dry eye and often it was not practical or hygienic (public rest rooms) to be in front of a mirror.

I developed a technique where I tilt my head back and rest the bottle above my eye, with the same hand stabilised by my cheek. With a finger from the other hand I pull down the lower lid and administer a drop. It took a while to master this but I do it right 99 times out of 100 now.

It might be worth a try and a practice with some PF lubricating drops, since it doesn't really matter how frequently you use them.

[Britsontour]

Yes I use an eye dropper. You can buy them at Boots or from online Amazon. Really are worth it as you can direct the drop much better.

[MaryCarnegie]

One problem is that many drops come as generic preparations so the bottles vary a lot (except for usually being wee white bottles with tiny writing on) so you can get different bottles from your pharmacy. Aids for one company’s bottles don’t necessarily fit another’s.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

If you would like to call our helpline on 01233 648170 we can go through the different dispensers that will help you put your drops in.

[dikda]

The formation of the droplet depends upon the viscosity and surface tension of the liquid and the hole size in the dropper which is part of the bottle top containing your drops. It is not uncommon to find that some manufacturers fail to test the droplet formation and finish up with the wrong size hole which definitely does not help. Ideally, get yourself an illuminated mirror which helps tremendously, pull down the bottom eyelid and place the droplet into the pocket that has formed. If you do it slowly and with care, you should be able to actually see the droplet form on the end of the dropper. To practice, try placing drops onto a piece of paper on the table in front of you and then you will be able to see how they form.

[Eyedrop in reply to dikda]

Thanks everyone has been soooo helpful

[Quiet_Lin]

Hiya. I found a little video on Youtube. It helped me no end. I am unable to post the link for you, but I found it by searching Youtube for "Best ways to put in eyedrops". He explains how to close your eye, put the drop in the very corner, then tilt you head a little and blink. It is the method they use for kids. Best of luck.

[Eyedrop in reply to Quiet_Lin]

Thanks Lin, I will have a look at that as i am literally hit and miss.