Need some tips with eyedrop administration

jaimemds · Dec 22, 2005

I usually use my right hand to separate the upper and lower lids and use my left hand to instill the drops. You have to be careful not to apply too much pressure to the lids. And, reassure the resident the the drops might sting at first, but not for long.

compassion1 · Dec 22, 2005

I've tried putting the drops in the inner canthus. When the pt. opens his eye, it automatically drops in. :uhoh3:

**Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN** · Dec 26, 2005

Thanks! Both of these techniques seem to work better than what I was doing!:wink2:

purplemania, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2005

Pull down lower lid gently. Have patient look up to forehead. Drop med in"sack" you just formed with lower lid. The problem with putting med in inner canthus is that the tear duct is situated there and the med will have a tendency to be absorbed systemically and will not be treating the eye itself. Sometimes I have the patient press gently over the tear duct while we count to three. I can do it for someone else but cannot BEAR drops in my own eye. Go figure.

yvonnemuse, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2005

It is a challenge in LTC with resistive clients with eye drop meds. I try the "sneak" method when approaching the very uncooperative. I will wait until they are reclining and call their name just as i squeeze out the first drop and they open eyes in response and the drop goes in. The Pt will usually be awake and resistive after the first drop so I wait and come back if the other eye needs a drop too and repeat.

jschut, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2005

I've tried putting the drops in the inner canthus. When the pt. opens his eye, it automatically drops in.

Yep..this is what I do too...works like a charm!